One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Messianic Jews … Part II

30 Saturday Apr 2016

Tags

Four Horsemen, Lost Tribes of Israel, Seven seals

It’s All about Jesus

The book of Revelation begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

Indeed, all of Scripture contains God’s revelation to the human race of the coming Messiah; the arrival of Messiah on earth as fully God and fully man; a detailed account of Messiah’s birth, life, death, and resurrection; and his glorious return to the earth he created. Seven years before he sets foot on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Jesus will raise born-again believers from the dead. Those still alive will be caught up (raptured) to heaven. Then the Great Tribulation will begin and, “…there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again” (Words of Jesus, Matthew 24:21).

The combination of man-made catastrophes and divine judgment directly from God will be so unprecedented that only Jesus Christ is allowed to break the seven seals which allow the Satanic forces of evil symbolized by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to unleash death and destruction like never before. Breaking the seven seals also leads to seven trumpets and seven bowls (vials) containing the final wrath of God on a warped and wicked world.

John tells us why only Messiah Jesus is qualified to open the scroll:

“…You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are obviously symbolic by virtue of the scene (vision) itself and the descriptive imagery of the passage. Also, with the plain understanding that each of the four riders on four horses couldn’t inflict the massive massacre that will follow. Yet, the devastation and death are all too real. For example: “Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword, and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere” (Revelation 6:4).

Just one generation ago, the nations of the earth experienced firsthand an unparalleled world war with unheard of casualties and unrivaled brutality and evil on a scale never before seen in the annals of mankind, particularly the Holocaust. But the military and civilian casualties of World War II will pale in comparison to the “war and slaughter everywhere” during the Great Tribulation. (See Eye of Prophecy article, Shocking Statistics of the Great Tribulation, posted 6-6-15).

Very soon after the Rapture, many will recognize what the Rapture was all about and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation. They are also those who, “…had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony” (Revelation 6:9). This is the fifth seal that was opened by Christ Jesus. However, they will be far outnumbered by the people who belong to the world (Revelation 13:8).

The sixth seal is the first of God’s direct judgments on the earth. Listen to the astonishing description:

“I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood … The sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places” (Revelation 6:12, 14).

Notice the language here: “The sky was rolled up like a scroll.” Whatever happens in/to the earth’s atmosphere during this massive earthquake (most likely accompanied or triggered by a colossal volcanic eruption to darken the sun and make the moon blood-red), is better understood by John’s imagery of a scroll being rolled up. The scroll is metaphorically used to depict the traumatic results of this enormous “natural” disaster. Natural signifying nature itself, but supernatural in origin and scope because only God has ultimate control over nature.

Then, however, there is an abrupt interruption between the sixth and seventh seal. What causes this unexpected and dramatic pause?

None other than the divine selection and sealing of the 144,000 … 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. With, as alluded in last week’s article, the clear contextual absence of anything symbolic going on in Chapter 7, and equally strong evidence that both the number and the identity of the 144,000 are literal.

Spiritualizing or Symbolizing Scripture That Is Clearly Literal

One hindrance to correct understanding of Scripture, especially prophecy, is a tendency of even well-meaning Christians to do way too much symbolizing. Of course there are metaphors and similes in, for example, the book of Revelation. But there is also a ton of literal people, places, things, and events.

Before we take a closer look at the 144,000, permit me to quote a couple of excerpts from my second book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved? 666

On the subject of the Abyss, specifically the sea (that contains the Abyss) referenced in Revelation 13 from where the beasts arises, I propose that the sea is literal—not symbolical as several scholars maintain. Following a detailed explanation on pages 234-236, I ask (I’ll place the excerpt in italics):

Why can’t the Revelation 13 Sea be literal? The Antichrist beast of Revelation 13 is not a kingdom or kingdoms; it is a personal pronoun (he) person. A symbolic application in one part of the Bible does not have to be the same symbolic representation in another passage, or even symbolic at all. (Here I’m referring to the “stormy sea” of Daniel Chapter 7). Or the place or thing in question can be both literal and figurative at the same time. It all depends on the context of the passage to include, if necessary, comparison or contrast to other passages… Thus, the staff of Moses was a literal piece of wood that turned into a literal snake in Pharaoh’s court; but the staff also symbolized the power of God, when Moses struck the rock and water gushed out.

Unless the Scriptural text is clearly and exclusively symbolic, or specifically interprets an image of something, or explains the imagery by such words as like, many scholars contend that the word or phrase should be taken literally. For one thing, it’s far less confusing to understand the verse or verses literally. For another thing, a figurative interpretation could often have two or more meanings. Which one is correct?

I then use another example (the fifth trumpet judgment) in which John utilizes image comparisons to describe the locusts that torment unbelievers for five months. Followed by another observation:

Conversely, there’s no reason to create a metaphor or simile comparison for something that is what it is. In Revelation 13, there’s every reason to consider the sea as the sea. The same reasoning can be applied to the False Prophet who “came up out of the earth.” The angel is making a distinction as to the origination point for the first and second beast.

I’m not referring to clear metaphors used in the Bible; such as used by Jesus himself when he said, “I am the bread of life.” Literature is full of metaphors and we even talk in those terms today. For example we might say, “He’s a rock.” There is rarely a misunderstanding over a metaphor. We don’t need to wrestle over another comparison phrase used by Christ, “I am the door.” Does anyone think that Jesus is a literal loaf of bread or a wooden door? Of course not.

…we find the dragon (Satan) taking his stance beside the sea. In the very next verse John tells us that he saw a beast rising up out of the sea. But the angel doesn’t indicate that the sea represents something else. If the sea is the mass of humanity (as many scholars contend) why would the dragon take “his stand on the shore beside the sea?” Why wouldn’t he take his stand right in the middle of humanity? If the sea is humanity, then what does the shore represent?

…the sea of humanity doesn’t have or need a shoreline. Or, if it does need a shore, then the entire imagery is extremely awkward and ineffective.

I could have added in my book something to the effect that all figurative imagery in Scripture is directly from the Lord (inspired), thus none of them are awkward or ineffective. Rather, they are meant to be understood; albeit sometimes with a good deal of study, focus, and correlation with other passages and connection to history and current events.

In applying this fundamentally sound principle (literal application of the text unless clearly indicated otherwise), a student of the Bible should rarely have difficulty in determining what is figurative and what is literal.

Who Are the 144,000?

As alluded, the answer is amply accessible … literally!

“Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so they did not blow on the earth or the sea, or even on any tree. And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, ‘Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.’

“And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel: from Judah 12,000, from Reuben 12,000 … from Benjamin 12,000” (Revelation 7:1-8).

(12 Tribes–Shown In Last Week’s Article, But Worth Showing Again)

The 12,000 Jews from each tribe listed in Revelation Chapter 7 are as literal as the number from each tribe in Jewish history—determined by a census ordered by God through Moses (see Numbers Chapter 1 and following). If the 144,000 Jews are symbolic, then what is the purpose of specifically stating 12,000 from each tribe? Or using any numbers at all? Or going to the trouble of listing all twelve tribes?

Certainly, some numbers in the Bible have consistent meaning and significance, but the numbers themselves are quite literal. Twelve in Scripture—twelve sons of Jacob, the twelve tribes, and twelve disciples—represent God’s cohesive administrative authority on earth for the nation of Israel and later the Church, composed of Jew and Gentile alike. Twelve is also the multiplied number of three (perfection of divinity) and four (number of the earth, i.e. four seasons, four directions and others).

There were 12,000 sealed (chosen) from the 12 tribes of Israel … 12,000 x 12 equals 144,000. It doesn’t get any more real (literal) than that. I’m referring to both the number and those sealed by God … Jews and Jews alone. There is absolutely no symbolizing taking place with the identity of each tribe and the number from each of those tribes.

“What about the seal,” you might ask? “Is it literal, too?”

You bet it is. Just as literal as the mark that Nero will require on the forehead or right hand of everyone who wants to buy and sell anything and everything to stay alive during the Tribulation. How providentially ironic, however, that God first seals this select group of 144,000 Jews. Antichrist Nero’s mark is a copy-cat imitation to further advance his counterfeit copy-cat kingdom, but one that is pure evil in marked contrast to the perfectly good Kingdom of God that will be established on the earth.

There is, however, a slight difference between the 12 tribes listed in Revelation and those listed in Old Testament passages. In Revelation we see that the tribe of Joseph has replaced Ephraim and Levi has replaced Dan. An entire article could be written just to explain the Biblical history of why the tribe of Joseph became two tribes (his sons Ephraim and Manasseh) and why the tribe of Levi is not listed in the Old Testament census (there is a reason … perhaps you know or might want to read up on it). Actually, there was more than one census; the second one for a different purpose (Numbers Chapter 26).

A brief commentary for purpose of today’s article will simply summarize by saying that Ephraim and Dan are excluded in the list of the twelve tribes of Revelation primarily because of some bad things that Jews from these tribes did in terms of their rebellion and idolatry; apparently even worse than what the other ten tribes did that led to God’s discipline of all twelve tribes.

As a memory refresher, soon after King Solomon’s death the twelve tribes of Israel split apart with only Judah and Benjamin comprising the southern kingdom called Judah. The other ten tribes retained the name of Israel, referred to as the northern kingdom. In 722 B.C. God allowed Assyria to completely conquer Israel and exile them to other nations. In 586 B.C. the same thing happened to Judah, but with Judah’s conqueror as the mighty empire of Babylon, which had vanquished Assyria.

A Stunning Feature of the 144,000

Now that we’ve answered the question of exactly who the 144,000 are and from where they originate, we need to appreciate the astounding implication of what’s going on here. Many Eye of Prophecy articles have been devoted (some partially, others more fully) to the subject of spectacular Old Testament prophecies of the Jews providentially returning to Israel after being banished to the four corners of the earth. It took nearly 2000 years, but it’s happening before our 20^th and 21^st century eyes. It is nothing short of miraculous.

Yet, there are really only two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, through which a few Jews can trace their lineage … emphasis on few. Some Jews have been identified (mostly through DNA) from the tribe of Levi; thereby, qualifying to be priests in the new Temple that many Jews say is just around the corner. Yes, a third temple will be rebuilt (see Eye of Prophecy articles, A Third Jewish Temple and A Third Jewish Temple Part II, posted 4-26 & 5-3-14).

So what about the ten tribes, the so-called Lost Tribes of Israel? What happened to them? We know that Assyria exiled them to other nations and they eventually intermarried enough to lose much of their heritage or identity as Jews. Are there any of those Jews left? Where are their descendants?

(No, they are NOT Mormons living in America, as the misnamed Church of Latter Day Saints would have us believe. There is absolutely no archeological or genealogical or historical evidence at all to substantiate such a ludicrous entitlement. Mormons claim that many of their membership descends from the tribe of Ephraim. Do you suppose that’s another reason why Ephraim is not listed in Revelation?)!

Are the Jews alive today throughout the world and/or the Jews living in Israel only from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin or perhaps, Levi? No, Scripture is replete with prophecies that God will return his people to Israel from all over the world, from both Israel (ten northern tribes) and Judah. Such as:

“I will preserve a remnant of the people of Israel and of Judah to possess my land. Those I choose will inherit it, and my servants will live there” (Isaiah 65:9). There is no repetition or duplication here. Both Israel and Judah are identified for a reason. At the time the prophecies were made and until they are fulfilled, these two kingdoms remain divided. Thus, the Lord referred to them as Israel and Judah, the northern kingdom and southern kingdom, respectively.

Sometimes the two kingdoms are referred to just as Israel in order to emphasize that all twelve tribes will one day be united, especially when the prophecy focuses on the Promised Land of Israel belonging to God’s special possession, the Jews. Such as:

“I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again … I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God” (Amos 9:14-15).

In another passage (one of literally hundreds in Scripture applicable to Israel’s restoration) we read:

“Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them” (Jeremiah 33:6-9, italics for emphasis).

My generation is nearly 70 years into this remarkable reestablishment of Israel and the Jews. The only thing remaining concerning national restoration is true peace, immediately preceded by spiritual revival of God’s chosen people through and to their Messiah.

One day (soon), “…all Israel will be saved…” (Romans 11:26).

When will all Israel be saved, both physically and spiritually? Answer: At the very end of the Great Tribulation as it gives way to the magnificent millennial reign of Messiah Jesus on the earth.

Who or what is (at that time) all Israel? None other than Messianic Jews, beginning with the 144,000 Witnesses and ending with the full remnant of Jewish tribulation saints. To be saved is to be redeemed and to be redeemed is to be saved—by personal trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ).

The personal will then become the national restoration of Israel.

Let’s look at another extraordinary prophecy of Israel’s and Judah’s reunion as found immediately after the passage known to many as the Valley of Dry Bones (depicting Israel’s miraculous rebirth), that brings the ten northern tribes together with the two southern tribes:

“…This is what the Sovereign Lord says, ‘I will take Ephraim and the northern tribes and join them to Judah … I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered. I will unify them into one nation on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations or into two kingdoms” (Ezekiel 37:19-22).

*Note: In the Old Testament, Ephraim is sometimes used in place of Israel for the ten northern tribes. However, Ephraim’s absence as one of the 12 tribes in Revelation doesn’t alter the fact that some Jewish descendants from that tribe will undoubtedly be part of the 12,000. Reason: Ephraim’s father was Joseph, and the tribe of Joseph is listed as one of the twelve tribes in Revelation. However, it doesn’t appear that any of Dan’s descendants will be among the 144,000 sealed. If not, that can simply be deferred to the sovereignty of God.

Thus, the Lost Tribes of Israel have never been lost to God. He knows each one and to which tribe they belong. And one day they, too, will know.

An equal number will be sealed from each tribe as post-Rapture Tribulation Messianic Jews. Why do we know they are Messianic? Easy answer, as found in the next (and final) passage about the 144,000, that clearly tells us:

They are Messianic Jews

In the Revelation Chapter 7 passage, it’s logically and logistically evident that the 144,000 Jews sealed by the Lord are not in the same place (together) at that time. One very viable reason is that John didn’t actually see them; rather, he “…heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel” (Verse 4). Also because this is fairly early in the Tribulation, and their mission for God had just begun by God anointing them from all over the world … mostly, I believe, in Israel. Nearly half of all Jews alive today live in Israel.

In Revelation Chapter 14 we do find them all together with Messiah Jesus, having completed their task, as we read about their service to the Lord in the past tense. Beginning with:

“Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads” (Revelation 14:1).

The Lamb is obviously Messiah Jesus, as shown in numerous passages throughout the book of Revelation. The 144,000 couldn’t be a different (numbered) group than those identified in Chapter 7; if for no other reason than they have the seal—specifically identified as the name of God and Messiah “written” on their foreheads.

Thus, they are what we already see and call Jews in today’s world who have acknowledged and accepted Jesus as their Messiah, a term that has just taken hold in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. They are literally Jews for Jesus (also the name of a world-wide Messianic ministry). They are, in fact, Messianic Jews.

Let’s look at a passage that would lend substantial credibility to the fact that the 144,000 Messianic Jews specifically selected and supernaturally sealed are, indeed, tremendous testifiers to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here’s what John did and what the angel said after John received another magnificent prophetic vision from the angel:

“Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, ‘No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters, who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus’” (Revelation 19:10).

Back to Revelation Chapter 7: “…until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants” (Verse 3, italics for emphasis).

The angel equated God’s servants with those who testify of their faith in Jesus as we just read in Chapter 19. There’s every reason to make this same connection to the 144,000, as witnesses (testifying) for the Lamb. Even more so, with the emphatic reminder that they were sealed (chosen) from among billions left behind after the Rapture. Hence, they are a unique group with a distinct mission, one that will produce a tremendous impact on the entire world, especially in Israel. Coupled with the spectacular achievements of the two witnesses portrayed in Revelation Chapter 11, the global testimony of the 144,000 will generate the greatest evangelical explosion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ever seen.

(Concerning the identity and accomplishment of the two witnesses of Revelation Chapter 11, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles, The Two Witnesses, Part I, II, III, posted 6-7, 6-14, & 6-21-14).

I will clarify that observation by pointing out that a few Messianic Jews today are spreading the gospel despite anti-missionary resistance from orthodox Jews. In that sense, the God-given responsibility to his chosen people, the Jews, is being fulfilled … to be a light to the Gentiles, through first sharing the Gospel to their brethren (to the Jew First). I’m convinced that between God’s massive judgments on mankind to demonstrate that he means business and the amazing appeal that these 144,000 born-again Jews will have through their testimony for Jesus, millions upon millions of those left behind will be saved, Jew and Gentile alike.

(In English It Says: Blessed Is The Name of The Lord Yeshua (Jesus)

On Pentecost, the Lord, through the Messianic Jewish Apostle Peter, saved 3,000 in just one day. What if that many or more embrace Jesus as Messiah as a result of each of the 144,000 proclaiming the truth of God’s magnificent salvation to a world teetering on the brink of annihilation?

Just do the math. Literally! (144,000 x 3,000 equals 432 million) Who knows!

What Else Do We Know About the 144,000?

“This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God … No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. They have told no lies; they are without blame” (Revelation 14:3-5).

It’s clear from this final passage that the 144,000 Messianic Jews’ commitment and devotion to God and Messiah is unequaled. Their lives—who they are, all they have, and what they will do—belong completely to God. Without hesitation, without any worldly encumbrance, without looking back, they follow Messiah Jesus wherever he leads them. They are disciples extraordinaire of our Lord.

The vast majority of the book of Revelation including the meaning of mysteries explained to John (indeed, nearly all of Scripture) is knowable … correct understanding and application of the text and context. But this is one of just a small handful of prophetic passages that we cannot be sure about.

Meaning that it’s uncertain if the 144,000 are “redeemed from the earth … as a special offering to God and to the Lamb,” because they killed by “those who belong to the world.” Or if they were spared through God’s supernatural protection, then taken to heaven without dying. Whether by death or by conveyance to heaven in the fashion of Elijah and then born-again believers at the Rapture, I do believe that it will be all or nothing. Either all 144,000 will be killed or none of them will die before their transport to the presence of the Lord, because they are always referred to as the (group of) 144,000. Either way, all of them will finish their amazing assignment to accomplish exactly what Jesus said would happen at the very end of days.

Said Jesus to his twelve disciples: “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

Personally, I believe the 144,000 will be martyred for their wonderful witness of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven on earth; but will be protected in the same fashion as the two witnesses (Moses and Elijah) before the appointed time of their deaths.

Indeed, they are “redeemed from the earth,” and redeeming means to literally purchase (pay a price) someone in order to free them or release them from a situation of bondage or peril or persecution. If Revelation only told us that they would be redeemed, then I would lean toward the option that they were taken from the earth without dying.

But, Revelation 14 also tells us that they were “purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering (first fruits or the best of the harvest) to God and to the Lamb.”

This would be an offering of praise or thanksgiving as opposed to a sin or guilt offering; however, all offerings require a sacrifice. Thus, the stronger application of the passage is that the 144,000 will be killed (sacrificed) for their incomparable testimony for Messiah Jesus and God the Father. Like the two witnesses of Revelation Chapter 11, so will the 144,000 be killed at the hands of the Antichrist beast (Nero). These 144,000 witnesses plus 2 will die near the end of the Tribulation.

We then see them standing on Mount Zion with Messiah Jesus. They will join him there much in the same manner that all raptured believers will join the Lord during the final battle of Armageddon.

“The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14).

Also, the fact that the 144,000 are actually numbered fits well with what the angel told the tribulation saints murdered earlier in the Tribulation as we previously saw in the 5^th seal: “…And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them” (Revelation 6:11, italics for emphasis).

Things to Ponder

Jesus said he is the “light of the world” (John 8:12 & 9:5). And God’s original purpose was for the Jews to be a light to the Gentiles. The two go together. Messianic Jews, especially the 144,000, will fulfill Israel’s divinely orchestrated destiny by proclaiming the light of salvation (Messiah Jesus) to the whole world.

By modern technology and transportation, the Good News is being disseminated over the globe in the 20^th and 21^st century like never before. Nevertheless, it will also take the two witnesses (Moses and Elijah), the 144,000, and angels themselves (Revelation 14:6) to proclaim the magnificent Gospel of salvation through Messiah Jesus to the world, one last time. It will also take God’s wrath poured out on the earth to get the full attention of those left behind, then turn that attention to those who will tell and show them how they can be saved from the terrible penalty of their sins and rebellion.

And then the end (of this age) will come … when Jesus returns to complete the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel and the Jews.

When that day comes:

“…People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem. The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go.’ Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing.

… In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew. And they will say, ‘Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you’” (Zechariah 8:20-23).

One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Messianic Jews … Part I

23 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by garybowers in The Rapture

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Revelation, Tribulation saints

Tribulation Saints

Although this week’s article is not about Biblical numbers as such, certain numbers bear a great deal of significance in Scripture. Numbers like: Three, Four, Twelve, Forty, and above all—Seven. In one of the more fascinating, but also enigmatic passages of Scripture, we find the number One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand. Many students of the Bible may immediately recognize this as the number of Tribulation Saints—among what will undoubtedly be millions— chosen separately by God to receive his special seal (of approval and service) during the Great Tribulation.

What/who is a Tribulation Saint? Do we even find that term in Scripture? Quick answer: No, we do not. Rather it is a logical juxtaposition and combination of the two terms, Saint and (Post-Rapture) Tribulation which we do find in the Bible.

The “Great Tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) is derived from the seven-year period of time based on a treaty orchestrated by the Antichrist with Israel, found in Daniel Chapter 9. Saint is a frequently used description in the New Testament for all believers who have been redeemed by Messiah Jesus as a result of personally believing and receiving him as Lord and Savior. They are true Christians (Christ ones), not in name only. A Biblical saint is NOT someone who has been canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. For more details on this subject please refer to Eye of Prophecy article entitled, What is a Saint? Posted 10-11-14.

Those of us who truly care about the eternal destiny of our family, friends, and people the world over, including salvation of non-Messianic Jews, have prayed for and/or cautioned others that, after we die, there is no second chance to receive God’s eternal pardon for our sins if we have not accepted God’s Only Son, Messiah Jesus as the substitutionary sacrifice for the penalty of those sins. And sometimes we have said or implied imprecisely that it is also too late for unbelievers after the glorious Rapture of saints from this earth. Whereas it will be incredibly difficult to choose Jesus during the Tribulation—on pain of deprivation and almost certain death—there will still be an opportunity for those left behind to embrace the true Messiah over the anti-Messiah.

The first reference to what we call Tribulation Saints can be found in the sixth chapter of Revelation. In fact, it is actually the fifth of the seven seal judgments (in the first set of three sets of seven … seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments during the Tribulation).

“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?’ Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them” (Revelation 6:9-11).

For the most part, the sequence of events depicted in the Book of Revelation are chronological, with a couple of exceptions in what can be called an interlude or parenthetical interruption to show us a broader picture of all that will transpire during the Tribulation … how those interludes interface with the chronological chain of spectacular events. Such things as found in Revelation Chapters 12, 13, and 17. However, all of the twenty-one seal, trumpet, and bowl events are in sequence, including the one we just examined.

With a great deal of study and correlation, I firmly believe that we can also identify the approximate time frame of all twenty-one judgments (catastrophes) within and relative to the seven year span of the Tribulation.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

It’s interesting, perhaps a little puzzling, that depiction of martyred post-Rapture believers (tribulation saints) would be one of the seven seals; technically it’s not a judgment per se.

Or is it?

I believe it is in the sense (context) of the first four seals; what many people, including unbelievers, readily recognize as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. By means of an initial false global peace (First Horse), then world-wide wars (Second Horse), economic collapse including wide-spread famine (Third Horse), all resulting in death of one-fourth of the world’s population (Fourth Horse), the first four seals are man-made devastations, not actual judgments from God. The tribulation saints identified in the fifth seal are victims of the Four Horsemen.

The man-made carnage metaphorically shown through the Four Horsemen coupled with world-wide murder of Christians (mostly, I believe, at the hands of Muslims) is a tragic result of the first four seals broken by Jesus to permit mankind’s consummate terror and horror of evil to be unleashed. Subsequently, the Antichrist’s (Nero) government will kill many more tribulation saints … the full number of their brothers and sisters. Not until the sixth seal do we see the first of God’s direct judgments on the earth. Followed by the seventh seal and first four trumpet judgments on the earth that will result in both Christian and non-Christian casualties.

We understand this because the martyred saints ask the Lord, “…how long before you judge the people who belong to the world…” The clear conclusion is that God had not yet begun to pour out his wrath on the world.

With a great deal of certainty, we can also know that all seven seal plagues and the first four trumpet judgments will take place in the first half of the tribulation (3 ½ years). How do we know this?

For the following reasons: As stated in Revelation Chapter 13, full authority given by God to Satan and Satan to the Antichrist beast is for 3 ½ years … with the obvious inference based on all other end-times prophecies of the Antichrist especially Daniel 11 and Revelation 19 (when Antichrist and his armies are vanquished by Messiah Jesus upon his return to the earth) that this will be during the last half of the seven-year Tribulation. It begins when Nero will break his treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

When Nero initiates his reign of terror, God will also begin his own (holy) campaign of terror against Nero’s ten-kingdom confederation and against all nations and peoples who defy the Lord and who have persecuted the Tribulation Saints (including Messianic Jews), but also Israel and non-Messianic Jews.

(Please refer to the three Eye of Prophecy articles examining terrorism in today’s world and also terror inflicted by God during the end days of the Great Tribulation. Terror, Terror, Terror … Part I & Part II, posted 12-12 & 12-19-15. Then, Trilogy of Terror, published 12-26-15.)

Furthermore, not until the fifth trumpet judgment do we see that God’s wrath is directed exclusively against the beast and his followers, e.g. the locusts (demons) tormenting, “…only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4). This conclusion is confirmed because of the reaction of unbelievers:

“But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God … And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).

(Depiction of the Fifth Trumpet Judgment)

The evidence is exceptionally strong in Revelation: no tribulation saints will die directly from God’s judgements on unbelievers in the fifth trumpet judgment nor (directly) from the first six bowl judgments. However, there undoubtedly will be “friendly fire” tribulation saint casualties in the sixth and seventh seal and the first four trumpet judgments, then again in the final 7^th bowl catastrophe. Although the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments may also result in some “friendly fire” casualties, these last two “terror” judgements will be directed against unbelievers.

In fact, the sixth trumpet entails another massive conflagration when an army of 200 million (demons) will kill one-third of the people left on the earth. Then the seventh trumpet (the third divine terror against those who belong to the world) initiates the seven bowl judgments, but also includes another earthquake and a “terrible hailstorm.” The last time that God sent such a hailstorm, only Pharaoh and the Egyptians were targeted … the Israelites weren’t touched by this plague.

The most important thing to grasp is that the vast majority of Tribulation Saints (including Messianic Jews who are themselves Tribulation Saints) who perish will be murdered by unbelievers, those … “who belong to this world…” (Revelation 17:8). Whereas, “…the people who belong to this world (who) worshipped the beast…” (Revelation 13:8) will die during wars against each other and from the wrath of Almighty God when he judges the earth for the second and last time (the Great Flood being the first).

The 144,000

Although the 143 Eye of Prophecy articles to date (posted every Saturday since this project began in July, 2013) have covered a broad array of subjects—as contained in the four main categories, Current Events, Prophecy in General, Rapture, Antichrist—for whatever reason I have not written about the one hundred forty-four thousand as found in Revelation Chapters 7 and 14. But then I realized there is a reason, which I didn’t think about until just before I began to write this week’s article.

As with all Eye of Prophecy articles, one way or another each week’s title and topic and discernment and creativity come from the Lord, and are written to exalt him. As stated in the sub-title of this Web site, “…For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus” (Revelation 19:10b). With regard to the audience, the articles are intended to introduce, reinforce, and clarify (also correct) prophetic Biblical, historical, and contemporary correlations or connections that many readers have known or have not known, have misunderstood, or were misinformed.

You may have already figured out where I’m going with this. Today’s Eye of Prophecy article is the 144^th (consecutive) post, the topic of which is 144,000 saints specifically chosen and sealed by God during the Great Tribulation. Of all end times prophecies of the Old Testament or from the book of Revelation, the 144,000 is one of the more difficult to process—in terms of why they are selected by the Lord, what they will do, and whether they are martyred or escape death during the Tribulation.

But there is one thing that is crystal clear: Who they are.

The more I study the passages about the 144,000, the more I’m convinced that the most important feature of or reason for the Lord telling us about them is because of who they are, not so much what they do or what is done to them. In fact, if we recognize exactly who they are, then there will be much less speculation why they are chosen, what they (might) do, and what might be done to them.

In next week’s article we’ll examine in more detail the two passages in Revelation that tell us about the 144,000. For now, let’s read John’s introduction of them:

“Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so they did not blow on the earth or the sea, or even on any tree. And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea. ‘Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.’ And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel: from Judah 12,000 … from Benjamin 12,000” (Revelation 7:1-8).

Between Judah and Benjamin, the other ten tribes are identified … each tribe with 12,000 Jews sealed (set apart for God).

*Note: As an example of how we can make contextual correlations (comparing Scripture with Scripture and with history and current events when applicable), let’s pause here to make a connection.

Notice that the four angels were about to do great damage (harm) to the land and sea, with a strong implication that whatever they would do to the earth and the oceans would also mean that many people will perish. They were commanded by another angel coming from the east, who carried the seal of the living God, to wait until the 144,000 were sealed. As most know, the term angel means messenger. Whenever we see angels in Scripture, they are usually (who we understand as) the majestic beings created by God. But not always. In some instances the “angel of the Lord” is none other than the pre-Incarnate Messiah. We can determine the difference by how the context describes the “angel” and what he says and does.

(For more detail on the Pre-Incarnate appearances of Messiah Jesus in the Old Testament, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles, Does God Really Have a Son? Part I & II. Posted 10-31-15 & 11-7-15).

In this scene, I believe the angel from the east is, in fact, Christ Jesus. For two reasons: (1) he comes from the east, which the Bible tells us is the direction from which Messiah will come upon his glorious return to Jerusalem at the end of the Tribulation. There’s really no other reason for John to tell us that this messenger comes from the east. (2) He is the one who actually carries God’s seal. Meaning the one who has authority to convey and apply the seal of the living God; in the same vein that only Jesus is qualified to break the seven seals beginning in Chapter 6.

We can make another correlation by matching the four angels in this scene (Chapter 7) to the first four (trumpet) angels of the very next chapter (Revelation 8:6-13). Why can we make this connection? Because the first four trumpet judgments describe devastation to one-third of the trees, grass, sea, springs of water, and the heavenly bodies (sun and moon) that directly affect the physical dynamics of the earth and sea.

Then the last three angels (of the seven trumpets) begin the trilogy of Terror, terror, terror (Revelation 8:13…) which target unbelievers. Thus, we have two sets of angels that make up the seven trumpet judgments … one set of four and another set of three.

Make sense? Personally, seeing these kind of parallels within Scripture and with history and current events makes me love God’s Word that much more.

Returning to the 144,000. Because so many cults have deliberately distorted, and because (even) some believers have unclearly understood the 144,000, let’s first discuss:

Who They Are Not

Because time/space in this article does not permit an in-depth analysis and because other astute Bible students have reliably refuted the inaccurate interpretations of who the 144,000 are and are not, I will limit any response to more of a statement; one, however, based solidly on Biblical evidence. Statement: Although there are others, the primary (incorrect) suppositions about 144,000 come from two main sources:

Religious Cults:

(Mormonism): This religion claims that the 144,000 will be Mormon men who have become gods. Actually all Mormons who make it through whatever level of Mormonism is required are purported to become gods, each with their own planet. Apparently, however, the 144,000 are exceptionally special gods!

(Jehovah’s Witnesses): The 144,000 actually represents the very core of this cult. According to the JWs, the Kingdom of God is already on the earth and only 144,000 JWs have or will be qualified as “spiritual” members of the 144,000.

(Seventh Day Adventists and Other Lesser Known Cults): Also claim in some fashion to (now) be qualified or will qualify to belong to this group.

All except Mormonism (the 144,000 man-gods!) make a symbolic “spiritual” application; including the notion that members of these cults will have the elite privilege of belonging to the 144,000 as “spiritual Jews.”

*Note: In next week’s article, we’ll read that the 144,000 were “standing on Mount Zion” with the Lamb (Messiah Jesus). As preposterous as it is for any of these cults to claim exclusive status in this God chosen group of people, for sake of argument what if they are all correct? If so, Mount Zion is going to be very crowded! Of course that is a facetious remark, but for good reason. They all can’t be the 144,000. If even two of these cults are accurate, then the count would be 288,000, right! Fact is, all of them are absurdly and pathetically wrong.

True Believers:

Unfortunately, but at least not in any way blasphemous as are the cults, some born-again Christians, including ardent Bible students, have misunderstood and misapplied the 144,000, with the mistaken assumption that all those who become believers during the Tribulation, both Jew and Gentile, are among the 144,000. In other words, they do not subscribe to the 144,000 as being a literal number chosen by God. Nor do they necessarily recognize the indisputable evidence that the 144,000 are actual Jews.

Although both Jews and Gentiles can be “spiritual” (in the sense of those who are interested in and who pursue more than just material things), there is no such thing as a spiritual or symbolic Jew. The Apostle Paul tells us that Gentile believers have been grafted into the promises given to Israel and we are, therefore, spiritual (born spiritually from above) offspring of Abraham. But that doesn’t make me as a Gentile believer, a Jew. Nor does a Jew who accepts Jesus as Messiah become a Gentile Christian. Both Gentile and Jew who believe in Jesus are (spiritually) Messianic. But they are still a Jew or still a Gentile. Neither is a symbolic Jew or a symbolic Gentile (Christian).

The Branches of the Tree of Israel

Although I have written on the matter of Jew and Gentile in several Eye of Prophecy articles, in today’s post I will defer to a Messianic Jew by the name of David Stern, who completed an excellent translation of the entire Bible, called The Complete Jewish Bible.

In his book, Messianic Judaism … A Modern Day Movement with an Ancient Past, David Stern precedes the excerpts that I will quote with an astute analysis of Romans 11:13-24, under the heading of Olive Tree Theology (pages 47-59). I would enthusiastically encourage you to read that passage in Romans 11; indeed all of Romans 9, 10, & 11.

(Jew and Gentile, Natural & Grafted-in Branches–One in Messiah)

Early on page 56, David Stern writes:

“The wild branches (Gentiles) have been grafted in through faith in the Messiah, ‘brought near in the blood of Christ’ (Ephesians 2:13), so that they are now included in the commonwealth of Israel. But they are not, as Replacement Theology would have it, a New Israel. Nor do Jewish and Gentile believers together constitute a New Israel, since the cut-off branches (meaning Jews) too are still identifiable as Israel…”

I’ll pause here to say, “Amen,” to Mr. Stern’s commentary on the insidious teaching of Replacement Theology. To also, if you haven’t, encourage you to read Eye of Prophecy articles entitled, Replacement Theology (Part I & II), posted 7-19 & 7-26-14.

David Stern continues: “Thus unsaved Jews (cut-off branches), saved Jews (natural branches attached to the tree), and Gentile believers (grafted-in wild branches) each have their own kind of ongoing participation in the one Israel; and this fact needs to be taken into account in any correct theology of Israel and the Church. Not a word is said in the “olive tree” passage or anywhere else in Scripture about splitting the promises into earthly ones for the Jews and heavenly ones for the Church.

“However, God has made two kinds of promises. In regard to the promise which relates to individual salvation, there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28), no distinction between them (Romans 10:12), no dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14-19). On the other hand, there remain promises to national Israel, the Jewish people, in which Gentile nations corporately and Gentile believers individually have no direct share …” (all previous quotes from page 56).

Another pause is in order … to quote more of the passage in Ephesians Chapter 2 referenced by David Stern.

“Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called ‘uncircumcised heathens’ by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us … He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people” (Ephesians 2:11-15).

Once again: In terms of God’s specific promises to his chosen people the Jews (as found in the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants), there is no such thing as a Gentile becoming a symbolic or spiritual Jew. Although Judaism allows Gentiles to convert and, therefore, become a Jew for purpose of practicing the tenets of Judaism (what could be called a Gentile Jew), both Old and New Testaments are clear: Gentile converts to Judaism are still Gentiles. God refers to them as “foreigners.”

“Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees … The same instructions and regulations will apply to you and to the foreigners living among you” (Numbers 15:16).

Let’s return to Ephesians 2. “He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:17-22).

Do you see what’s going on here? Christ Jesus has so completely torn down the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile that the Gentiles are no longer foreigners. Not, however, as applied to the actual nation of Israel … the Jewish race. Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah, and together we are citizens (of heaven … Philippians 3:20). Both Jew and Gentile are members (adopted children) of God’s new family. Individually and together we “become” a holy temple for the Lord, where the Holy Spirit indwells both Jew and Gentile who have been redeemed by Christ Jesus, the cornerstone foundation of this spiritual house.

But a Jew is still a Jew and a Gentile is still a Gentile as applied to God’s promises to the nation of Israel and to the Jewish race. Putting it another way: God’s (plan of) salvation results in one new man (and woman) in Messiah—individual Jews and Gentiles alike. God’s plan for the physical descendants of Abraham and their corporate identity as the nation of Israel is not for the Gentiles. However, Gentile nations will be richly blessed through these national promises to Israel.

Once again: Concerning the Kingdom of Heaven (currently in the hearts of redeemed Jews and Gentiles), there is neither Jew nor Gentile. Regarding the physical Kingdom of God to be ushered in when Messiah Yeshua returns at the end of the Tribulation, the Jews will inherit the promises given by God to Abraham and King David through covenants with each. The Abrahamic Covenant is the right of the Jews to live and prosper in the God-given land of Israel. The Davidic Covenant is the promise that a (Jewish) King will govern them and the Gentile nations from Jerusalem.

And who is that King? None other than Messiah Jesus … King of all kings, Lord of all lords!

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29). He is the Lion from the Tribe of Judah! (Revelation 5:5).

(Note: Regarding Gentiles who “convert” to Judaism, they, indeed qualify to be Jews, but only under the traditional system of rabbinical teachings or precedents. There is nothing in Scripture that indicates a Gentile actually becomes a Jew (spiritually or physically) simply by adhering to the Mosaic Law. Under the Covenant of the Law, God granted permission for Gentiles to observe and participate in his decrees, regulations, and ordinances given to the Jews—which obedience to and observance of would ensure that they remained in the Promised Land, but not as a means to salvation).

Summary

When it comes to God’s numerous promises to Israel, not the least of which is physical restoration to the physical land of Israel accomplished by the returning physical descendants of Abraham and Isaac, these promises are exclusively for the Jewish people. Biblically this is true despite, for example, Israel’s immigration policy allowing Gentile converts to Judaism to become citizens of Israel. Though these promises are to the Jewish race, Gentile nations (the foreigners) can and will be blessed, with many of them citizens of Jerusalem and Israel during the Millennium and beyond. All born-again Jews and Gentiles are and will be citizens of heaven and the New Jerusalem, with freedom to come and go on the earth in our worship of and service to our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ and his Father who is our Father in heaven!

God’s instructions concerning the foreign Gentiles allows them to practice and follow the Mosaic decrees including Passover (see Exodus 12:48-49 … even then a Gentile male had to be circumcised to participate in the Passover). But keeping the civil and ceremonial laws handed down by the Lord does not make the Gentile a direct descendant of Abraham.

Conversely, a Jew (whether by physical birth or by spiritual rebirth in Messiah) is still a Jew, and can keep—voluntarily because it’s now an option—all of the Jewish festivals or dietary laws, but not for salvation or a right standing before God. Redemption is exclusively through faith in the sacrificial system that was completely fulfilled once and for all by the substitutionary sacrificial death atonement of Messiah Jesus. Rather, the festivals are kept for the express purpose of rejoicing in the New Covenant salvation, as every single festival was a prototype or shadow of the coming Messiah and what he would do for Israel (and the whole world).

Beginning with Pesach (Passover) sacrifice of the Lamb of God, whereby God will spare (pass over) born-again Pre-Rapture believers from the Great Tribulation and ultimately from the eternal penalty of our sins, which gives us the awesome privilege of everlasting life in heaven. Ending with Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, which is Messiah Jesus dwelling (tabernacle) with his people forever.

(Jesus Spoke These Words During His Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles)

Apparently I did get sidetracked, but not all that much! The main purpose for this in-depth examination of Jew and Gentile is to dispel beyond any doubt whatsoever that the 144,000 consist of anyone other than Jews.

Click on to next week’s Part II article; we’ll look more closely at the 144,000 Jewish Tribulation Saints.

Things to Ponder

Most Bible scholars and many Christians refer to the 144,000 as The One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Witnesses. But the term witness is not used at all in Revelation concerning this group. Will they, then, be witnesses for Jesus?

To answer that question and also as a prelude to next week’s article requires some conjecture, but in a very small dose. It’s what could be considered “sanctified” speculation based on the remarkable phenomenon that they will be chosen from millions of Jews and even more millions of tribulation saints who are Gentiles. The fact that they are even mentioned at all in Revelation, let alone in such dramatic fashion, makes a strong case that they will follow the Lord in the mold of God’s mighty prophets and apostles.

They will serve in the same powerful pattern of Noah, Moses, Joshua, Debra, Gideon, Samuel, King David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, John, James, and Paul … and post Biblical evangelists like Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Billy Graham, and Greg Laurie. As well as contemporary Messianic Jews like the recently departed Zola Levitt and the still alive Jonathan Bernis, David Stern, and Michael Brown.

Along with the two Tribulation witnesses (Moses and Elijah), they will be the final servants of God appointed to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the last days, a time that will immediately precede the glorious return of Messiah Jesus and usher in the Kingdom of God on earth.

That time is soon, so very soon!

“And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

‘Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.’

“And the four living beings said, ‘Amen!’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped the Lamb” (Revelation 5:13-14).

The Myth of Al Aqsa Mosque

16 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by garybowers in Current Events

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Dome of the Rock, Hajj, Kaaba

The Myth of Al Aqsa Mosque on Temple Mount

Myth: “a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. An ill-founded belief held uncritically esp. by an interested group” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

First to clarify: The Al Aqsa Mosque itself is not a myth. It is located in Jerusalem on what the Jews call Temple Mount and what Arabs refer to as the Noble Sanctuary, which also includes the more well-known structure, the Dome of the Rock. Many, including a large number of Muslims themselves, confuse Al Aqsa Mosque with the Dome of the Rock; they are different buildings. I’ve personally walked on Temple Mount, right up to the steps of the Dome of the Rock, but I did not approach the mosque.

The myth is in the historical and contemporary significance this mosque bears regarding Muslim claims to Temple Mount and to Jerusalem … indeed, to all of Israel. Was the legend that the Prophet Mohammed travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem in one night, then ascended to heaven from the Noble Sanctuary, fact or fiction? Whether Mohammed’s mysterious trip can be considered credible depends heavily on identifying Al Aqsa Mosque as the site (mosque) of his supposed visit. Should the Noble Sanctuary be classified a sacred Muslim shrine at all, let alone the third holiest site of Islam?

Distinguishing between fact and fiction is of vital importance because it is Temple Mount in Jerusalem that is the very heart and soul of Israel and the Jewish people. The status of Temple Mount is the core of the current conflict (dispute) between Jew and Arab in Israel; although there are certainly other reasons, not the least of which is the ancient animosity between the two peoples.

Quoting Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu:

“Our generation had a great privilege—we saw the words of the prophet come true. We saw the rise of Zion, the return of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, the ingathering of exiles and our return to Jerusalem. We will make sure Jerusalem’s golden light will shine on our people, and spread the light of Jerusalem to the whole world. We will protect Jerusalem, because Israel without Jerusalem is like a body without a heart … Our heart will never be divided again.”

Benjamin echoed the prophetic promise of God through Isaiah:

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home” (Isaiah 60:1-4).

So, too, do Palestinian Arabs claim Jerusalem as theirs. In fact, they think all of Israel belongs to them. It is predominately the Al-Aqsa Mosque that rivets Muslim attention, and generates overt Arab hostility against the Jews, such as intifada.

(Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock right center / Al-Aqsa Mosque in left center, directly left of the trees)

Muslim intifada is simply a terroristic uprising, a strategy employed when it became all too evident that Arab nations could not defeat Israel in war. That was proven in the miraculous Israeli victory over Egypt and Syria in the Six-Day War. Then again through Israel’s stunning victory in the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Thereafter, terrorist cells such as Hamas and Hezbollah resorted to propaganda, BDS, and missile/mortar launchings into Israel. With the Palestinians staging the first large intifada in 2000, when former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stepped foot on Temple Mount on September 28^th, 2000. It was the “desecration” of the Noble Sanctuary by Ariel Sharon that sparked this five year period of violence—mostly suicide bombings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem that killed scores of innocent Israelis—given the name, “Al-Aqsa Intifada.”

Muslims contend that Temple Mount does not belong to the Jews, partially because it is the third holiest location in Islam. Never mind that Temple Mount is the HOLIEST place, the most sacred of all sites to Judaism and the Jews! That’s irrelevant to the Arabs and seemingly to much of the world. As a result of blatant lies from none other than Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who incited his people by falsely accusing the Jews of desecrating or intending to desecrate holy sites in Jerusalem (especially Temple Mount), young Palestinians instigated their “knife intifada” last October. These lone wolf attacks which also included car rammings, Molotov cocktails, and shootings soon became a concerted effort by individual Palestinians to kill as many Jews as possible. Thankfully, the number of attacks have subsided.

Using (the Myth of) Al-Aqsa to Accomplish the Palestinian Agenda

It’s crystal clear that the two intifadas, the BDS movement, the insidious propaganda—that fosters a heart of hatred and a mentality of murder in their children through indoctrination beginning in elementary school—are all part and parcel of Palestinian intent to protect the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque from “the filthy feet of the Jews” (as Abbas stated in an attempt to incite Palestinian uprisings).

Some, and I agree with them, have gone so far as to say that without misguided Palestinian passion for and unwarranted defense of their Temple Mount claims, there would be less violence in Israel. Indeed, there would be minimal cause (excuse) for the Palestinians to launch their intifadas or a basis to justify (rationalize) their actions to the world other than dishonest assertions of Jewish takeover or desecration of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

For example: Just a few weeks ago the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammed Hussein, declared that Muslims should make a pilgrimage to Al Aqsa Mosque to, “defend the mosque from Israel’s attempts to Judaize it.” (Whatever that means?)

Oh, there’s always the allegation of Jewish “settler occupation” of the West Bank, but those inaccurate accusations have been going on for decades. The latest Palestinian choice of confrontation centers on the more ancient and ostensibly more religious rationale that protection of the Noble Sanctuary supposedly supports their agenda to harass, terrorize, and attack the Jews.

Thus, it’s imperative that we examine the historical basis for Islamic motives to defend their holy sites. In doing so, we will once again confirm that Muslim attempts to rewrite the history of this ancient conflict have no basis in fact. We will see the rest of the story, the empirical evidence that will undermine Palestinian claims that they alone have rights to Temple Mount. Hopefully, this will help dispel the flawed opinions or imprecise impressions that many in the Western world (as well as Muslims themselves) have concerning Jewish and Islamic heritage of Temple Mount … indeed, of all Jerusalem and Israel.

First, however, I would like to present some excerpts from one of several Eye of Prophecy articles that touch on the subject of Jewish versus Arab history, regarding Israel.

In italics the following excerpts are from the Eye of Prophecy article, A Palestinian State? (No, Say Many Arabs), published 1-11-14.

Then, in June, 1967 one of the most amazing conflicts in military history began and ended in less than a week! To this day it is still referred to as the Six-Day War, in which Israel soundly defeated a coalition of Arab nations, and once again against staggering odds. Although Israel took the offensive in this war, they had no other choice; it was crystal clear that surrounding Arab nations, particularly Syria and Egypt, planned to attack Israel. In order to assure victory and protection against further invasion, Israel seized the following territories that had previously been under Jordanian, Syrian, or Egyptian control.

Golan Heights: A high mountainous area near Israel’s northern border with Syria … a crucial strategic location to prevent Syrian incursions in and attacks on Israel.

Gaza Strip: A fairly narrow strip of land along the southeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in which Jews lived alongside a majority of Arabs.

West Bank: So-called because of its location along the west bank of the Jordan River, in the east central portion of Israel. Historically and rightfully called Judea and Samaria as regions in Israel’s ancient homeland. Now occupied predominately by Palestinian Arabs.

Sinai Peninsula: The large, mostly desert southern land mass that currently separates Israel from Egypt proper.

East Jerusalem: Technically, a segment of the West Bank; but, nevertheless, still an integral and indispensable part of the entire city of Jerusalem.

Unfortunately, Israel partially bowed to international pressure exerted primarily by the United Nations and, over varying intervals of time, returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, the Gaza Strip to Egypt, and most of the West Bank to Jordan. Egypt and Jordan subsequently allowed the Gaza Strip and West Bank Arabs to govern themselves. The only sector that Israel didn’t relinquish to any degree was the Golan Heights; it was simply too dangerous to return this tactical high ground to the Syrians…

However, the most significant of all was the Israeli decision, soon after the Six-Day War, to return East Jerusalem to Jordanian control, including the Temple Mount itself. This was a colossal concession; in fact, to many Jews then and now, a monumental mistake.

To comprehend just how painful this world-opinion induced surrender (of the Temple Mount) was to the vast majority of Jews, listen to the message delivered by Israeli Chief Army Chaplain Rabbi Shlomo Goren to the IDF paratroopers who liberated all of Jerusalem, including the beloved Western Wall in June, 1967: “Soldiers of Israel, God be with you valiant warriors! I am speaking to you from the Western Wall, remnant of our Holy Temple. The dream of all the generations has been fulfilled before our eyes. The City of God, the Temple site, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall—symbol of the Jewish people’s messianic redemption—have been delivered this day by you, heroes of the Israel Defense Forces.”

I vividly remember watching on television battle hardened IDF soldiers weeping at the Western Wall, which is also called the Wailing Wall. They shed tears of grief over hundreds of years of oppression and defeat; but mostly tears of joy over the astounding capture of Jerusalem and rightful return of Temple Mount to the Jews. It was, as heralded by Rabbi Goren, truly an event of messianic proportion (a prophetic precursor to the imminent return of Messiah). I shed tears of joy with them at this stunning historical event, only to be filled with sorrow when the Temple Mount was relinquished back to the Arabs…

Concerning today’s Temple Mount, Jews are not allowed to express any gesture of worship or prayer or planned assemblies on the Temple Mount. All such activity must be confined to the Western Wall just below Temple Mount. Can you imagine that? If not, then imagine that you as an American citizen would not be permitted to set foot on the hallowed ground of the Statue of Liberty. It’s pretty much the equivalent of restrictions placed on Jews with regard to the Temple Mount, their most holy place, in the most holy city of Jerusalem, in the holy land itself.

Rest assured: One day God will change all that and return all of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount back to the Jews through their (our) Messiah! Listen to what the Lord says concerning the end times restoration of Israel … which is taking shape in Israel daily, i.e. the massive return of Jews to the reborn sovereign State of Israel.

“And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbers, and I will put my Temple among them forever. I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy” (Ezekiel 37: 26-28). *Note: the word holy means separate, distinct, set aside for a special purpose.

What else does God say about Jerusalem and the Temple Mount? “In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore” (Micah 4: 1-3, italics for emphasis).

The Three Holiest Sites of Islam

Let’s continue today’s article by looking more closely at the history of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the context of two other (holier) places in Islam.

Holiest Place in Islam

Mecca: Site of the Kaaba (including the Black Stone) and the AL Haram Mosque. According to Muslim tradition, Abraham and his son, Ishmael, built the Kaaba as a symbol of the house of God, at which time God (Allah) established the Hajj rituals. Obviously, such an event can be found nowhere in the Bible, which is the case for nearly all Muslim writings or traditions. Whenever Muslims refer to Abraham, he is always (only) the father of Ishmael. Rather, than Isaac, who Scripture unequivocally declares is the Promised Child chosen over Ishmael … the child who would continue the Jewish Race and be the ancestor of the Messiah. Nor is there any evidence of Abraham ever being in Mecca. In short, it is a tradition that is not affirmed by historical records, including any such reference to the Hajj. That came later after Mohammed started the Islamic religion.

(The Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia)

Second Most Holy Place

Medina: Next in line of the most sacred sites is the Masjid Al Nabawi Mosque, built by Mohammed next to the house where he lived, with his tomb located in the mosque. Muslims normally include this mosque in their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, required of every able-bodied Muslim at least once in their lifetime. According to Mohammed, Allah commanded him to reinstate all of the rituals of Hajj just as (also according to Mohammed) they were established by Allah through Abraham. Again, there is no historical record of such rites until the time of Mohammed. But that is the case with most of Islam, i.e. invention or reinvention of Biblical history to suit this new religion, which (in a Johnny-come-late fashion) surfaced over 2,500 years after God called Abraham to be the father of the Jewish nation and over 1,500 years after King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

Third Holiest Place

Jerusalem: The first two holiest places in Islam are understandable given the history that Mohammed and the Arabs lived in Saudi Arabia, particularly Mecca and Medina. However, Jerusalem as the third holiest Islamic site is utterly baffling (more like implausible), beginning with the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself. In Arabic, Al-Aqsa simply means, “the farthest.” Both the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque were built AFTER Mohammed allegedly had been whisked away from Mecca to Jerusalem in one night’s travel, then ascended to heaven from the Noble Sanctuary.

Despite Muslim attempts to rewrite history by maintaining that neither Solomon’s nor Herod’s Temple ever existed or if they did exist not on Temple Mount, Biblical and secular history overwhelmingly proves otherwise. Let’s look at some dates and sequence of events to see how they match up with the Islamic narrative … whether Mohammed even set foot in Jerusalem, thereby, making it holy only to Muslims for that reason alone.

Mohammed was born in 570 AD and died on June 8, 632. In the year 620, he was said to have travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem on a winged steed, from where (Temple Mount) he visited both heaven and hell. Whereas, there’s no real problem with these dates, there are enormous inaccuracies with the rest of the story.

(Depiction of Mohammed’s Winged Steed)

The dilemma begins with the historical evidence that the Al-Aqsa Mosque was built in 696 AD by Khalif Abdul-Malik Ibn Marwar who had earlier built the Dome of the Rock; or in 705 AD by Mohammed’s son, in memory of Mohammed’s magical journey. Whichever date is accurate, neither can accommodate the timeline of Mohammed’s fanciful journey. The reason: the after-the-fact story told by Mohammed’s followers is that the “farthest” mosque was purportedly located in Jerusalem.

Question: How could Mohammed have travelled to a (any) mosque in Jerusalem in 620 AD when, in fact, there wasn’t a single mosque in Jerusalem until the Al-Aqsa was built decades later?!

Here is a quote from the Qur’an: “Glory be to Him Who made His servant to go on a night from the Sacred Mosque to the remote mosque of which We have blessed the precincts, so that We may show to him some of Our signs, surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”

Although this Quranic verse mentions a night trip made by Mohammed (servant) from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to “the remote mosque,” it does not actually specify that this farthest mosque was in Jerusalem, or even that Mohammed then ascended to heaven. Moreover, when the Al-Aqsa was built to commemorate this enigmatic expedition (to another far away mosque that didn’t exist in Jerusalem), Muslims eventually designated Al-Aqsa as the actual remote mosque referenced in the Koran! Talk about arguing in a circle (circular reasoning)!

There’s more. Initially Islamic scholars firmly believed that the farthest mosque was a metaphor, signifying some unknown place between heaven and earth, not a specific physical location. In his earliest biography, Muslim historians depict Mohammed’s passage to heaven as a spiritual one only; additionally, this journey (in spirit) was directly from Mecca to heaven, not from Mecca to Jerusalem, then to heaven. Apparently, in the effort to make Mohammed’s mystical travels more plausible, Muslim historians changed the story to that of a physical pilgrimage to the farthest mosque or the “remote mosque” which they later decided should be in Jerusalem, that didn’t have a mosque until some 70-80 years afterward—what is now called the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

(Arabic Map Showing Mosque in Mecca and Temple Mount, Alleged Beginning and Ending of Mohammed’s Travel to Jerusalem)

Even more contradictory is the fact that the Koran refers to Israel as the adna al-ard, translated in English as the “closest land.” If Muslim tradition holds that Mohammed was taken to the farthest mosque (Al-Aqsa) or land (wherever that might have been), then how could that have been Jerusalem (Israel), which they claim is the nearest land?

The historians should have stuck with their initial interpretation, that Mohammed’s imaginative journey was spiritual only. To change it to a physical occurrence is to further reduce it to nothing more than a myth, what with the conflicting timelines and contradictory legend (language) of nearest (Israel) and farthest (mosque in Jerusalem) places where this event supposedly occurred.

There’s even more. Jerusalem, itself, is NEVER mentioned in the Koran … not once. Whereas, Jerusalem is referenced 669 times in the Bible and Zion (Jerusalem) 154 times. This is nothing short of an insurmountable obstacle to Muslim statements that not only Temple Mount, but all of Jerusalem belongs to them.

It’s simply inconceivable that the Koran, which was compiled in stages over many years, would not make one reference to Jerusalem, especially after the Arabs conquered Israel’s Holy City in 638 AD. Moreover, the Dome of the Rock was built by the Arabs because it was the site of the destroyed Jewish Temples, having nothing to do with Islam or the tale of Mohammed’s journey to the Holy City. The main purpose for building the Dome of the Rock was to prevent the construction of another Jewish Temple, and to erase the historical authenticity of Jewish rights to Temple Mount.

A Stunning Statement by an Egyptian Scholar

The following is taken from the April, 2016 edition of the Levitt Letter, an online and printed newsletter published by Zola Levitt Ministries:

“In an interview with Egypt’s CBC TV, Youssef Ziedan, director of the Manuscript Center and Museum at the Library of Alexandria, noted that the Koran never mentions Mohammed ascending to heaven, from Jerusalem or any other location. Citing ancient Islamic scholars, Ziedan continued: ‘The Prophet Mohammed, after being harassed by the Quraysh (tribe in Mecca), went to the city of Ta’if. On the road to Ta’if, there were two mosques: Al-Adna (‘the nearest’) Mosque and Al-Aqsa (‘the farthest’) Mosque.’

“Ziedan explained that the ‘Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem) did not exist back then, and the city was not called Al-Quds. It was called Aelia, and it had no mosques.’ The stunned interviewer wondered if that meant that ‘there is no justification for the war (over Jerusalem), and we should just leave Al-Aqsa, which has nothing to do with us?’ Ziedan maintained, ‘Neither we nor the (Jews) have anything to do with it. That’s what I’m saying. People should think about this.’

‘Where would that lead us?’ asked the host.

Ziedan’s response: ‘To peace.’”

*Note: Only Messiah Jesus, the Prince of Peace, can and will bring lasting peace to Israel and to the world. Nevertheless, Zeidan’s response was on track. At the very least the Palestinians could/should no longer use religious heritage—based on the myth that the Al-Aqsa (or any mosque) had been visited by Mohammed in Jerusalem—to claim superiority over Jewish rights to Temple Mount, with Judaic jurisdiction meticulously documented by both Biblical and secular history and by archeological evidence.

During subsequent control of Jerusalem by the Crusaders, then again by the Arabs (Saladin) then the Ottoman Turks followed by the British in 1917, the Dome of the Rock gradually fell into disrepair. This and other historical evidence (factors) demonstrate that neither Muslim Arabs in surrounding countries nor even Palestinian Arabs in Israel placed much significance at all on their Noble Sanctuary. That is, not until Jews recaptured all of Jerusalem including Temple Mount during Israel’s spectacular Six-Day War victory. That changed everything. Since then, Palestinians have hotly disputed the rights to Temple Mount; including, but not limited to, their non-negotiable contention that Jerusalem (at least East Jerusalem) belongs to them and will be the capital of a Palestinian State.

Likewise, most Israelis contend that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel, and must never be divided into two capitals, or divided at all.

To further confirm Arab noticeable lack of pre-1967 interest in Jerusalem or the Muslim structures on Temple Mount, Daniel Pipes, President of the Middle East Forum stated in 2001 that, “the British government recognized the minimal Muslim interest in Jerusalem during World War I.”

The British understood how little significance Arabs placed on Jerusalem when they did not include the city as part of assigned Arab territories preceding the Balfour Declaration of 1917. Whatever (minimal) importance the Arabs placed on Jerusalem didn’t matter, as they turned down the partitions of the Balfour Declaration as well as the portion of Israel allocated to them in the United Nations resolution of 1947. The historical record is unmistakable: It’s not that the Arabs desperately wanted Jerusalem or control of Temple Mount (not until 1967). In fact, they had marginal interest in Jerusalem, and did little to maintain or improve the city’s infrastructure for hundreds of years.

Here is a quote from British negotiator, Henry McMahon, when Great Britain chose not to include Jerusalem as part of Arab controlled regions in the 1917 partition of Israel between Jews and Arabs: “…there was no place … of sufficient importance … further south of Damascus to which the Arabs attached vital importance.”

Another quote taken from Breaking News Israel article posted by contributing writer Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz on 3-16-16, citing Daniel Pipes who said: “A fourteen-century long pattern suggests that so long as Israel controls Jerusalem, Muslims will respond by focusing on the city and wanting to seize it. The knife-intifada is this moment’s tactic toward that end; after it duly fails, one should expect another—and another after that.”

Then Adam Berkowitz quotes Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party in Israel and former Deputy Speaker of the Knesset: “This is part of the Islamic culture and their concept of a national entity, which is unlike the Western concept or that of the Jews. The Muslims believe that if they can conquer it (Jerusalem), culturally and then physically, the city belongs to Islam, even if it as no historical or religious connection to Islam.”

From our examination of the true history of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, we now see more clearly that neither the mosque, nor Dome of the Rock, nor Noble Sanctuary (Temple Mount) have any real historical relevance to or connection with Islam’s purported interest in Jerusalem. Rather, they are merely a convenient excuse for Muslims to continue their concerted effort to expel or even eliminate (if they could) all Jews in Israel. It is not question of even one square foot of land on Temple Mount or anywhere else in Israel. It is a question of whether Palestinian Arabs and Muslim nations will ever recognize the sovereign state of Israel and the right of Jews to live in their ancient land, given to them by God himself. A land they occupied (in the positive connotation of the word) long before the Arabs, hundreds of years before Mohammed started the religion of Islam.

Ever so sadly, the conflict continues. Anti-Semitic animosity toward Jews has intensified not only in Muslim nations, especially Iran, but also in Europe and even the United States. Palestinian Arab hostility incessantly manifests itself in deceitful and sometimes absurd ways.

For example: PA Authority President Mahmoud Abbas intends to submit yet another resolution to the United Nations, demanding condemnation of Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Because there are no such Israeli “actions” to condemn, undoubtedly Abbas will fall back on the “Jewish occupation” of the West Bank including the worn-out lies about the illegal Jewish “settlers.”

Please refer to Eye of Prophecy article entitled Israeli Occupation … Fact or Myth? Posted on 5-16-15. Also, Jerusalem … A Capital without a Country, published 6-13-15.

Cameras on Temple Mount

Recently flyers were posted on Temple Mount encouraging Palestinians to destroy the surveillance cameras that will be installed, via an agreement between Israel and Jordan, which has custodial authority over Temple Mount as given to them by the Israelis. Ironically, the security cameras were originally suggested by Jordan’s King Abdullah II to US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who enthusiastically endorsed the idea. The cameras would show proof positive pictures of exactly who was doing what to whom or to what on Temple Mount. The idea was rejected by the Palestinian Authority with the ridiculous rationalization that the cameras would be used to, “arrest Palestinians under the pretext of incitement.”

What pretext? There is no pretext. The cameras will be monitored by Jordan as guardian over Temple Mount, which directly undermines the PA claim that Temple Mount authority belongs to them by virtue of the Al-Aqsa Mosque being there. Moreover, the surveillance would clearly show that no Israelis are “desecrating” anything on Temple Mount nor is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in any “danger” as preposterously alleged by the PA. Nor is there any “plot” by the Jews to change the “status quo” on Temple Mount. Conversely, the cameras would expose the constant harassment of Jews on Temple Mount by Palestinian rioting, particularly during Jewish holidays.

(Why Palestinians Do Not Want Cameras on Temple Mount … They Show Everything)

As said by Dr. Reuven Berko in an article posted by Israel Hayom on April 13^th, 2016:

“The surveillance grid set up in the area is meant to finally point to the real provocateurs who endanger the holy site, but the Palestinian Authority, which is ‘profoundly concerned’ with the integrity of Al-Aqsa mosque, is the one trying to sabotage this project, as it stands to undermine the influence of the site.”

Dr. Berko continues: “The project (camera installations) also undercuts the Palestinian Authority’s absurd attempts to use Al-Aqsa mosque as the anchor to its demand to have east Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state, especially given the fact that all of Islam’s other holy cities—Mecca, Medina, Qom, Karbala, and Najaf—are not capital cities.”

Things to Ponder

Yes, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a myth. Not its current existence; rather the supposed ancient connection of Islam to Jerusalem based on Muhammad’s alleged travel to a “remote” mosque that didn’t exist at the time in Jerusalem. Muslim scholars also said that Israel was the “nearest land” to Mecca. Which is it … nearest or farthest? It can’t be both. Actually it’s neither. And, of all things, why wouldn’t Mohammed, himself, have included this miraculous journey to heaven in the Koran?

A strong clue to the answer: Just like the Koran contains no real miracles or fulfilled prophecies (of which the Bible is replete with both), Mohammed and his followers couldn’t risk the possibility that such a tale contained in the Koran might be disproven in succeeding generations.

Yet, Islam in general and Palestinian Muslim Arabs in particular base their rights to Temple Mount exclusively on this illusion. If their claim is even remotely possible, you would think that their holy book, the Koran, would mention Jerusalem just one time. But it doesn’t, and the reason is obvious: Not until 1967 did Muslims or Arabs give a hoot about Jerusalem, let alone contend that Jerusalem belongs to them and must be the capital of the Palestinian State.

Even Mecca, the most sacred site of Islam, is not the capital of Saudi Arabia! Nor is Medina! Where, then, does Jerusalem really rank in Islam?

(Riyadh, Capital of Saudi Arabia)

But the Bible is not a myth. Hundreds of prophecies concerning Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the return of the Jews to Israel. More remain unfulfilled until the glorious Day of the Lord, which is nearly upon us.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of all who have believed and received his Son, Messiah Jesus … He is the true and living God. He made man (and woman). All other gods are man-made.

His promises are forever true … worthy of our trust! His glory is great … worthy of our praise!

What the Lord says will happen, happens. What he says he will do, he does.

Listen to him:

“The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me (Messiah Yeshua) to you. The land of Judah will be the Lord’s special possession in the holy land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem to be his own city. Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling’” (Zechariah 2:10-13).

Separation of Church and State … For or Against? (Part II)

09 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by garybowers in Current Events

≈ 1 Comment

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Kingdom of Heaven, Nation of Priests

Separation of Church and State

Last week’s article began by quoting the famous First Amendment of the Bill of Rights:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Since that was such a great introduction, let’s do it again. (The greatness of the introduction is the incomparable First Amendment itself, not me quoting it!)

But this time we’ll fast forward 87 years from the birth of our nation in 1776 to another famous proclamation; the source of which is more easily recognized than whether the freedoms listed above came from the US Constitution or the Declaration of Independence or the Bill of Rights.

What you’re about to read was a remarkable reminder that our nation’s inalienable birthrights and legal birth certificates (documents) would expectantly ensure the existence of the greatest representative democracy on the face of the earth—the Republic of the United States of America. That, even during our country’s greatest crisis, the noble aspirations of our founding fathers would not be forgotten.

It begins with:

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Got it yet? No … then the final words will surely turn on the light:

“…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Of course you knew. President Abraham Lincoln uttered these historical words on November 19, 1863, in what has become known as the Gettysburg Address, delivered a few months after the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War in and near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Concerning, then, our two-part Eye of Prophecy inquiry and investigation: Can the lofty ambitions of a government that guarantees individual freedoms, a government that is of, by, and for the people be better accomplished if Church and State functions are shared or are separated?

Before we look at some Biblical historical precedents, we need to remember that Church, State, and Religion must first be defined, as they were in last week’s Part I article. Thus, if we’re describing religion properly (man-made set of rules, regulations, and rituals) and Church accurately (a hierarchal clergy-run institution or organization claiming supremacy over the laity and over true Christian salvation of individuals based solely on God’s plan and purpose as found in the Bible), we can conceivably get a more balanced perspective on the interaction between God and man, and between peoples … nationally and internationally.

An Intriguing Premise

I’d like to present a premise that might startle those who passionately defend the government envisioned by our forefathers and confirmed convincingly by Abraham Lincoln—a government that I, too, ardently admire and strenuously support. Indeed, it is a constitutional system of checks and balances that is the envy of people the world over. As much as individual pride, power, and pleasure will allow, the United States of America is, in principle and practice, a nation for the people.

“But that’s not all”, you might reply. “It’s also, of and by the people.”

Yes, that is what President Lincoln said. That also is what the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights intended, because these freedom documents were both of and by sincere representatives of the people who wanted independence from Church States and State Churches.

Moreover, as alluded to in last week’s article, Scripture is crystal clear that God and Messiah Jesus never meant for individual believers to be part of or subservient to a central, organized ecclesiastical system such as found in Roman Catholicism, or in Mormonism, or in the Church of England or any other systematized “ism.”

In that regard and by that definition, there should be a separation of Church and State, because the Lord never envisioned such a Church in the first place. Which is why God worked in, through and for those who revolted against the oppressive autocracy of the Church States of Europe. Notice, however: Our founding fathers didn’t leave God out of their hopes and plans; because they fully understood that freedom of religion should not be equated with freedom from religion. The majority of them acknowledged God as the ultimate source and sustainer of individual liberties that can better flourish within a republic. That both the people and their elected officials could express their beliefs without the existence of or need for a centralized structured religious system to force those beliefs on anyone, at any time, for any reason.

In today’s world, however, many have misused, abused, and distorted the balance between Church and State for two basic reasons: (1) wrong thinking and defective definition of religion and Church (especially the Christian faith), as detailed in last week’s article.

(2) Because they have dismissed anything to do with God and his plan for the human race, there are those who contend that we must eliminate all vestiges of “religion” in government, which ultimately results in expelling all references to and symbols of God in public places. Under the pretense of maintaining Church separation from State (in which the concept itself is misunderstood and misapplied), they have misled many in this country to unwittingly think and act on the (false) premise that there must be freedom from religion. Which is fundamentally true for both unbelievers and believers alike, if religion and Church are properly defined. But is simply not true if individual Christian rights are denied; thereby, resulting in a classic case of reverse discrimination.

In reality, many leaders and their followers and groups like the ACLU are trying to accomplish their “hidden” agenda so pointedly pronounced by King David (yes, he was a king … we’ll get to that shortly):

“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. ’Let us break their chains,’ they cry, ‘and free ourselves from slavery to God’” (Psalms 2:1-3).

The Premise: Until Messiah Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom of God, the very best form of government on this earth is one that is for the people, but not exclusively of or by the people!

Stated another way: For government to be supremely successful for the people, it must be of and by God … from and through God. Ultimately, it must also be for God and his Son (for his glory) who, as Scripture says, is the “Beginning and the End.”

The Bible clearly shows us that our Creator is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. He is truth, light, and life. He is perfect in every way. He wants the best for us and he knows what’s best for us; including, but not limited to, the ideal form of leadership and administration of daily life in the human race. Yet, he gives us free will to choose. Who and what we choose can literally be a matter of life and death … individually and nationally.

Said God to the people through Moses: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

The Lord never intended for a city, state, or nation to be governed by a “church” because he never meant for there to be a “religion.” God’s original plan was for every man and woman to have a personal relationship and fellowship with him, based on uncompromising love for him, total obedience to him, and unwavering trust in him. If Israel (all peoples) would have listened to the Lord and held tightly to his instructions, they would have been governed by God, himself.

Indeed, that was the plan from the time that God chose Abraham and told him, “…All the families on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).

A Kingdom of Priests

Soon after the Lord delivered the Israelites from slavery and shortly before he gave the Ten Commandments to the entire assembly of Israel (Exodus Chapter 20), God told Moses:

“…Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation. This is the message you must give to the people of Israel” (Exodus 19:3-6, italics for emphasis).

The Ten Commandments were the beginning of the source of light and blessing to Israel, but also Gentiles who acknowledged and accepted the existence and authority and goodness of God Almighty. Subsequently, God gave detailed instructions to Moses concerning their personal relationship with God and interpersonal relationships with each other and with the Gentile nations. This included the Levitical Sacrificial System that required individuals to present innocent animals for sacrifice (sin, guilt, peace, praise offerings) and annual observance of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) for the entire nation. Although the High Priest and other priests supervised and regulated the administration of this all-important sacrificial structure (forgiveness of sin and restoration to God), every Israelite was part of (what was for a while and what could have been indefinitely) a holy nation—set apart for a special purpose.

Israel was meant to be a nation of priests, with the optimum form of government—a Theocracy, defined by Webster’s Dictionary as, “having God as the central interest and ultimate concern.”

A government which was of God, by God, and for God. Therefore, for the people because God promised he would bless them if they made him the center of their lives; unlike the Gentile nations that worshipped man-made gods and sacrificed their children to these detestable gods (demons). The Jews were to be an example for and share God’s truth with the Gentiles; unfortunately, they did not do this.

If we as a nation acknowledge God as our Creator, then trust him completely to bless us with needed protection and provisions, there would be no cause or concern for any such thing as separation of Church and State. Because there would be no centralized Church or church system. Rather the Kingdom of Heaven would be (is) in the hearts and minds of individuals who believe and receive Christ Jesus as personal Savior. Both believers and unbelievers can then serve in various levels of government without forcing their beliefs on each other. God alone will determine the success and welfare of a nation, depending on the nature and extent of the people’s recognition of his sovereignty.

Whether this is a Parliamentary or Democratic Representative Republic, an Absolute or Constitutional Monarchy, or any other form of government other than Fascism or Communism, wouldn’t matter as much as we think it does. None of the leaders of those governments need compel any one to believe in God or accept Jesus as Lord and Savior or behave in a certain manner as long as it is legal and peaceable. Conversely, secular unbelievers should not insist (falsely) that the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness is only possible if the State purges itself of anything and everything that is Christian.

In just a generation or two after Joshua led them into the Promised Land and God gave them victory over their enemies, the Israelites began to abandon the Lord in favor of pagan gods and practices. They soon lost sight of the fact that it was faith (trust) in God, himself, to lead, protect, and to forgive them when they sinned. The keeping of the Mosaic Law, including the sacrifices and festivals, became a matter of rote, ritual observance that wasn’t from their heart. Eventually, even the priests and scribes became corrupt.

They failed to make the all-important distinction between a right standing before and relationship with their God through faith alone, contrasted to obedient observance of the ceremonial and civil laws as a condition for remaining in the Promised Land … but not for individual redemption.

Individual disobedience (sin … which all men commit) could be and was pardoned by God through the sacrificial system. But national (the greater majority of the people) rejection of the Lord by deliberately removing him from their daily affairs and replacing the Lord with false man-made gods of fertility (sex), crops (abundance and prosperity), and protection (victory in battle and security), led to discipline—mainly in the form of famines and persecution by their enemies. Inevitably it led to being conquered and exiled to Gentile nations … Assyria and Babylon; then later defeat at the hands of the Romans, with dispersion to the four corners of the earth that would last for nearly 2,000 years.

From a Nation of Priests to a Nation of Kings

After they conquered and inhabited the Promised Land of Israel, the Jews decided they would be much better off with a king to lead and govern them … like that of the Gentile nations. Instead of being an example and model to the Gentiles of what a near-perfect (as much as human error will allow) government could be and actually was for a while, they preferred a king over what was already working well in Israel—priests and judges who administered the ceremonial and civil laws (and justice), respectively. See Deuteronomy 17:1-13, as an example.

In this same chapter (setting), the Lord knew that his people would want a king to rule them, so years in advance he told the people through Moses:

“You are about to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you take it over and settle there, you may think, ‘We should select a king to rule over us like the other nations around us.’ If this happens, be sure to select as king the man the Lord your God chooses. You must appoint a fellow Israelite; he may not be a foreigner” (Deuteronomy 17:14-15).

(Note: Remind you that a President of the United States must be a natural born citizen)?

The Lord then imposed conditions for the king (chosen by God), such as severing all ties with or influences from their former rulers in Egypt; not taking multiple wives because they would turn the king’s heart away from the Lord; not accumulating a lot of wealth, which can and often does corrupt a leader. Or, if not the wealth itself, then the power that goes with it.

Next came some profound but practical (Church-like and State-like) instructions that the Lord gave to them when (not if … the Lord knew it would happen) Israel switched from the harmonious and successful administrative blend of priests and judges to a nation ruled by a king.

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear (respect, hold in awe) the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

Wow!

Do we see what’s going on here? Do we recognize that the success of a king (Prime Minister, President) and the welfare of his or her kingdom is predicated on these profound precepts given by God to Moses? Indeed, in all of Scripture. Shall we appreciate these principles and see how they could apply to all governmental levels of the Republic of the United States; for that matter, to any government whose leader(s) would at least acknowledge and respect the true and living God? Can we fit them into whatever view we hold on the issue of church and state separation? Better yet, shouldn’t we fit our opinions into God’s Word?

Do we grasp that genuine motivation to read, study, and apply Biblical truths and guidelines will shape the mind and heart of the king (or any leader), so as to humble him. To help him (or her) understand that they are not above the law or superior to their fellow citizens. That regular exposure to Judaic-Christian values as contained in Scripture will enable a government’s successors to continue with recognition of God and service to the people in the way God intended. That leaders will set an example for all the people to do what Scripture declares so that the Lord will direct, protect, and provide for them.

“…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Fear the Lord if you are wise! (Micah 6:8-9).

Can we also see what is not going on in God’s instructions to Moses for kings (leaders)?

Nowhere is it stated or even implied that the king shall force God’s Word or Ways on his subjects (constituents), either by executive decree or by legislation. For example, a National Day of Prayer is a wonderful idea, one to which a nation would do well to practice. But it’s completely voluntary, subject to each individual’s preference to observe or not to observe.

When God permitted Israel to change from a Kingdom of Priests to a Kingdom of Kings, he also made allowances for the faults, frailties, and failures of the people. Thus, the Lord’s instructions to the king did not, by compulsion, mandate that the people do the same thing. It would be much better for them individually and as a nation if they did seek and acknowledge God in both private affairs and affairs of state; but above all, God still gives the human race free will to choose. No better exemplified than America’s freedom to vote someone into office, but then accept the consequences (good, bad, or indifferent) of that choice.

A Priest or a King, but Not Both

With divine foreknowledge the Lord knew all too well that unrestrained, unconditional power corrupts and that the vast majority of national and international leaders throughout history would be or become malevolent monarchs instead of benevolent, he also told Israel that the same man could not be both king and priest.

In that respect, there was a (balanced) separation of kingly duties and priestly duties. What we would probably identify in today’s society as some semblance of Separation of Church and State.

For one thing, no one person had the time or energy to occupy both offices. Also, if a king was wicked—which the vast majority of Israel’s king were, as were nearly all Gentile kings—the priests and the people that faithfully followed the Lord could still live and prosper in the land because of God’s faithfulness to keep his promises (of blessing).

As the leader(s) of a nation goes, so do its people often go? Right? Of course, right. Unless, that is, the greater populace seeks God’s mercy as so powerfully proclaimed by God to King David’s son, Solomon. In that context, David set the benchmark for a godly king who, despite a couple of grievous wrongs, consistently followed and obeyed the Lord. Something that virtually none of the kings of the ten northern tribes and only 3-4 of the kings from Judah accomplished.

Listen again to the well-known words that vividly explain God’s grace and mercy if people as a nation turn to him:

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

Then, the Lord declares to Solomon: “As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father, David, when I said, ‘One of your descendants will always rule over Israel.’ But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them…” (Verses 17-20).

Make no mistake … this beautiful land of opportunity that we call the United States of America was, in fact, given to us by the true and living God. The surest way to lose our freedoms, if not the land itself, is to as a nation (all three branches of government) abandon, reject, and mock our Creator and Savior. Ironically, this is being done by many who claim they are protecting those liberties by eliminating all things shown, said, or done that smack of religion, with practically everything they do directed against Christians (true believers). Their real agenda is to eliminate the name of Jesus and take away the rights of those who name the name of Christ, including freedom of worship, speech, press, and assembly, in say a meeting room on a high school or college campus.

I firmly believe if we and especially our presidents, senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and judges adhered to (the basic) truths and principles found in Scripture, at least acknowledging God’s ultimate authority and thanking him for all of his blessings, there would be no need to debate the issue of Church and State separation. Our leaders would fully comprehend what it means to serve both God and the people. This service would not need to in any way, shape, or form result in a man-made religion or hierarchical religious denomination or institution to impose a distorted view of government ON the people.

(Based on the Senate’s Resolution, President Lincoln called for a National Day of Prayer … Optional of course)

So, what about a kingdom of priests for Israel? Did God’s plan fail?

I think not. God always (ultimately) accomplishes his purpose, whether the people fail or not.

And what about the absolute best model for the human race to be governed? Is that an impossible dream? Is it the stuff that myths are made of? Comparatively speaking, the United States would appear to be the most successful governmental enterprise of human history; with emphasis, however, on comparative. Meaning in contrast to dictatorships where separation of Church and State was a foregone conclusion … any State presumption or perception of interference by someone’s “religious” beliefs could mean instant death. Or compared to Islamic countries whose government is of, by, and for only those who are Muslims … the ultimate example of an oppressive State Religion.

Likewise, the misguided, unbiblical, anti-Christ(ian) monarchies of pre-Renaissance Europe that were bedfellows with the Roman Catholic Church or Church of England; or whose kings and queens fought for supremacy against those dubious paragons of religion.

There’s no doubt: The ACLU and other organizations and individuals like them have grossly mislead the American public. When placed in the context of the aforementioned Church-State paradigms, there simply doesn’t exist in this country the slightest form, whatsoever, of anything resembling or threatening to duplicate a State Church. Nor is the cry of “wolf” logical or appropriate in duping us to think there may be the slightest risk of a Church State in this country.

On the contrary, there is an ever-growing secularism and socialism that is trending to the opposite extreme … a godless intolerant government that will eventually yield its authority to one man. An evil ruler whom the Bible calls the man of lawlessness, the beast, and the Antichrist.

There is increasing discrimination and persecution (mostly through legal actions in Western countries, but also terrorism; plus physical persecution in Islamic nations, including murder) of Christians by those who claim tolerance and plurality as the only way to live. Which, translated, means no Christian rights or, worse, no Christians at all; because they believe that Messiah Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life. Anti-Christians are motivated by a convoluted logic and twisted mindset that doesn’t concede the obvious: It requires a heavy dose of intolerance to criticize, marginalize, and ostracize those they claim are intolerant!

Essentially and ultimately they are attacking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it was he who said that unless a person is born again, he/she cannot enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). That he is the only way to God, the Father. That only he can give us eternal life … and so on.

Current Kingdom of Priests

Getting back to our question regarding a nation of priests. The answer is a resounding, yes!

Though the awesome sacrifice of Messiah Jesus, a new race has been born. Both Jew and Gentile who believe and receive Christ as Lord and Savior have become one new person.

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us … He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death” (Ephesians 2:14-16).

If we agree with God’s Word that Jew and Gentile and Gentile and Gentile can be one in Christ, no walls of separation would be needed … period. Except one wall: between truth and lies.

Says God through the Jewish Apostle Peter to all believers: “…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (I Peter 2:9).

But that’s not all. God will complete his marvelous plan to establish the ultimate kingdom with the greatest King of all time to rule and reign. It will be the perfect form of government, a Theocracy of and by God for his glory and for the everlasting Shalom (peace and well-being) of all who choose life in that Kingdom over everything this worn-out, wicked world of ours can offer.

In that regard, permit me to again quote from a previous Eye of Prophecy article, Kingdom of God (published 1-17-15). In italics as follows:

Paul proceeds to tell us more about God’s splendid plan for the human race. In fact he calls it a mystery, because at the time that God gave it to him even the new Christians didn’t completely understand the eternal implications of what Christ would achieve at his first coming and would continue at his second coming. Listen to these extraordinary words:

“God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

That plan is none other than: THE KINGDOM OF GOD (on earth). Revealed by Messiah Jesus himself as recorded in the Gospels; and consolidated into the everlasting tenets of the Christian faith by the authors of the epistles and Revelation.

Jesus spoke often of the Kingdom of God; for example, comparing it to a mustard seed … the smallest of seeds that when planted grows into an enormous tree. Which is exactly what has happened to the body of Christ; an exponential growth down through the ages, to now consist of believers from virtually every nation and language on earth. It is the Kingdom of Heaven in the hearts and minds of those who have been redeemed by the shed blood of Christ. Next, will come the final physical Kingdom of God on this earth; at which time all people, all governments, all nations will be brought under the authority of God’s magnificent Son. He will rule the nations with firmness, but fairness.

Isn’t that what most people want? They want: law, order, equality, safety, peace. And they want someone who has the kind of authority to realize those dreams, but also someone who is kind and considerate with that authority. One who truly cares about people and what’s best for them; who can rule and judge with impartiality and kindness. A truly wise and benevolent King whose attributes perfectly reflect who and what he is: Love, Truth, Justice, Mercy.

Kings and queens rise and they fall. Kingdoms come, kingdoms go. Nations wax and wane. Soon, very soon we will witness the rise of a Royal Kingdom and a Righteous King who will rule and reign supreme on the earth: The Kingdom of God.

Things to Ponder

“Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm” (Proverbs 19:23).

“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan” (Proverbs 29:2).

Of Messiah (Jesus), God through his prophet Isaiah promises:

“His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:7).

Yes, Lord … make it happen!

Separation of Church and State … For or Against? (Part I)

02 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by garybowers in Current Events

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First Amendment, Wall of Separation

Separation of Church and State

Such a noble idea and magnificent declaration! One that protects freedom of speech, press, peaceful assembly, petition, and religion in the United States of America.

Most patriotic or even marginally patriotic Americans know where this profound proclamation can be found. Or do we?

Let’s say that you are a guest on the TV game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The next to last question is: American citizens are guaranteed freedom of religion and speech in what famous document?

You stare at the four multiple choice answers on the screen, each one challenging you to choose it… but only one is correct.

You mull them over: It’s in the Declaration of Independence, right? No, it has to be part of the Constitution of the United States. Wait, could it be in Preamble to the Constitution? Of course, it must be the Bill of Rights? These rights and others are in the First Amendment, which is in the Bill of Rights.

Your uncertainty turns to supreme confidence. “Bill of Rights,” you yell. “My final answer.”

“Absolutely right,” exclaims the game show host. The audience is going crazy.

Our founding forefathers didn’t include such liberties in the Constitution itself because they assumed that these rights were innate to a democracy, especially a Republic. They should be a natural extension of “the inalienable rights” of Americans, and shouldn’t need to be listed. Right?

No, wrong, said many of the early Americans even after victory in the Revolutionary War won these rights from the British. The newly crowned “citizens of the United States of America” wanted written guarantees that the United States Government, present and future, would not in any way infringe on the God-given freedoms that make up the very heart and soul of this great country, of man himself. Thus, Amendments were necessary, rather than repealing the Constitution itself.

One more question to go, tied in to the previous question … get it right and you’re an instant millionaire!

The final question: Is the separation of Church and State guaranteed in either the US Constitution or the First Amendment?

For a million dollars, this couldn’t be easier. Only two choices … Yes or No.

No need to guess, because practically everyone knows the answer. It’s in the US Constitution. If not, it’s got to be in the Bill of Rights First Amendment. Either way, you win.

With a growing smile on your face and without needing to exercise your option of calling a friend for their advice, you hold your answer with a dramatic, tension-building pause.

You take a deep breath. After a long suspenseful exhale, you shout:

“Yes! At least one of them guarantees a wall of separation between Church and State.”

The game show host feigns his own anticipation-filled pause to intensify the drama. He smiles and begins to nod, then slowly shakes his head and frowns. You hear the impossible words that crush your dreams of instant wealth.

“No, I’m so sorry,” he groans. “There is no mention of Church and State separation in the US Constitution or the First Amendment.”

Nonsense! It must be a stupid technicality. The game show is fixed. Everyone knows that either the Constitution or First Amendment or both dictate that Church and State must be separated. Dismayed, you head straight for your hotel where you will look up the First Amendment on your iPad.

On your way you call your friend, whom you should have called on the show. She sadly reminds you that the earliest reference to actual separation of church and state comes from a revered, well-known American … Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States at the time. But not from the Constitution or the Bill of Rights or any other subsequent Amendment or from any federal or state law.

Back to Reality

In a moment, we’ll look again at the precise words of the First Amendment; plus some commentary on what I and millions of others believe to be the true and sincere intention of our founding fathers regarding, freedom of religion. With, however, an acknowledgment that many others see this differently. In fact, with the exception of abortion, same-sex marriage, and illegal immigration (and lately, Donald Trump!), there’s hardly another subject that divides American opinion more than the issue of Church and State compatibility.

Neither today’s or next week’s article is meant to debate the issue, including court decisions pertaining to the First Amendment freedom of religion, influenced by Thomas Jefferson’s famous line, “…thus, building a wall of separation between Church and State.” That well-meaning but controversial opinion was penned in a letter … the original source of Church and State separation.

What I will do is to emphasize the indisputable evidence that—even as President and years earlier as primary author of the Declaration of Independence—Jefferson’s “wall of separation” was supposition, not law. That point has been accurately and adequately defended by a number of reliable historians and judicial experts.

Thus, it’s not a question of whether separation of Church and State is the law of the land. It is not. Rather, it’s a question of whether it should be adopted, either by law or in principle. If so, to what extent?

Mostly in next week’s article, we’ll examine what Scripture has to say. All the while remembering that the framers of the United States Constitution were heavily influenced by their reliance on Judeo-Christian principles and precedents given by God through his Word.

I will, as much as possible, refrain from presenting my own opinions (in so many words) as to whether a wall should be erected, or already exists between Church and State. Instead, I prefer to present the Biblical evidence; to perhaps assist in forming your opinion if you have none, reinforce it, or possibly change your views on the subject. Obviously, that’s up to you. Whatever your opinion, I believe what you’ll see in Scripture just might surprise you.

Based on what I see as a firm Biblical premise, I’ll give you a healthy hint: The Lord is for and against separation of Church and State!

“What kind of a deductive cop-out is that,” you ask? Isn’t the Lord either for or against virtually everything? No, there are exceptions. For example: Even though the sinner and the sin of the sinner are practically inseparable (especially the consequences thereof), God loves the sinner but hates the sin.

The answer is both yes and no because the answer is contingent upon two basic conditions: (1) the definition of church and the definition of state; (2) Once the definitions are understood, it also depends on the type of government and the people running the government—their moral fiber, innate integrity, spiritual status, and their degree of acknowledgement, if any, of the Lord

The Actual Words & Clear Intent

Let’s return to the First Amendment.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…”

We’ll stop there, for a moment.

The primary purpose of the Pilgrims and Puritans leaving Europe was to gain freedom mainly from the tyranny of the Church of England but also the Roman Catholic Church. These two ecclesiastic institutions had exerted an inordinate amount of influence on the governments of several countries. Much of the time, the King or Queen of a nation vied for sovereignty against Popes or Cardinals; thus, their citizens became pawns in the deadly game of King versus Bishop. Whoever prevailed for however long resulted in either a State Church or a Church State.

HOWEVER, this struggle for supremacy had nothing to do with born-again believers who reported directly and only to God and Jesus Christ. The only involvement of true believers was that of being seriously persecuted by State, Church, or both.

(Please, pause with me for this message: Will the ACLU ever realize that no one is really being persecuted, discriminated, deprived, harmed, injured or otherwise mistreated, except the Christians who the ACLU alleges are guilty of the aforementioned offenses?)!

The First Amendment does not state or even imply that Church and State must be separated as such; certainly not to the degree demanded by many in today’s society, i.e. no Ten Commandments posted in government offices or public places. Or, no “Christian” prayers, objects, or references anywhere except in one’s home or church. Not even mention of Jesus’s name by military chaplains! Yet, Muslim prayers are not only allowed in some schools and public places, they are encouraged by our United States President! That is the height of duplicity, but also a subject for another day.

The First Amendment stipulates that Congress (used generically to include all three branches of our government), shall not make (pass) any law that would directly or even indirectly result in the creation or adoption of a “religion” from or through which the government would govern the people.

Does that mean complete “separation” of church and state? Let’s continue.

Equally clear is that Congress cannot be party to, “…prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” Meaning prevention of or interference with individual or group freedom to exercise their beliefs (practice, which includes preaching), as further addressed and amplified through freedom of speech and/or right of peaceful assembly, and right to publish.

Does this additional condition mean that there is Church and there is State; and, like east and west, never the two shall meet? Or is it at face value simply saying what it appears to be saying? If so, then is a pastor of a local church permitted to speak Biblically on the subject of abortion to a high school class whose teacher invited the Pastor? Can a member of Congress, who supports marriage between one man and one woman, announce that belief as an invited speaker for a graduation ceremony of lawyers without someone playing the Church and State card? Can a business who owns their store and property put up a nativity scene?

Why not? Give me one good reason, why not?

Separation of Church and State?

No, I asked for a good reason.

Did I say earlier I would refrain from conveying my opinion? These are not opinions, they are simply observations! Besides, most of the Biblical evidence comes next week.

Thomas Jefferson

There is no language in the Constitution regarding the concept of Church and State separation. Nor does the First Amendment make such a statement. That Amendment doesn’t tell a Church (any religion) what it can or cannot do, or place any restrictions on individuals or groups as long as whatever they do (exercising their rights) is done peaceably.

Instead, the First Amendment places all the responsibility and restrictions on the Government. Specifically, that our Government stay out of the business of establishing its governing body and functions on or through (one or more) religion. To also cease and desist from any interference with individuals or groups practicing their faith.

Yet, the totally secular in our society want nothing more than to eliminate (through the guise of tolerance and political correctness) ALL vestiges of Christianity in ALL government, educational, and public places. If they accomplish that, they’ll head for our homes and churches. They accuse anything or anyone who displays in any manner, whatsoever (including speech), something that smacks of Christianity to be in violation of the law of Church and State separation, which doesn’t exist in the first place.

Those who support their concept or definition of Church and State separation (whether they know their history or not), do so primarily because of the (now famous) letter written by President Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists, a Christian congregation in Connecticut. This small congregation had become extremely concerned that the more populated and dominant Congregationalist Church, whose membership included politicians, could or would exercise (usurp) enough power to become like the Roman Catholic or Anglican Church in Europe. With the unimaginable and unacceptable potential for possible control of the United States Government.

Here is a portion of President Jefferson’s written response to the Baptists:

“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions. I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’, thus building a wall of separation between Church & State” (Italics for emphasis).

(Benjamin Franklin’s Comments)

Jefferson’s opinion formed the basis for the Supreme Court’s declaration in the Reynolds v United States (1878) case that: “it may be accepted almost as an authoritative declaration of the scope and effect of the amendment thus secured. Congress was deprived of all legislative power over mere (religious) opinion, but was left free to reach (only those religious) actions which were in violation of social duties or subversive of good order.”

In other words, both Thomas Jefferson and the Supreme Court interpreted the First Amendment wording on religious freedom predominantly, if not exclusively, in favor of the people’s right to believe and practice those beliefs as long as the “exercise thereof” didn’t result in violation of the law or become subversive.

As alluded earlier, the 19^th, 20^th & 21^st century position of those who detest religion of any sort use Jefferson’s “separation” opinion as law and do so virtually in reverse. That is, to remove any verbal or visual references to God, Jesus, or the Christian faith in general. Which makes the contemporary application totally out of balance … one sided. The “separation” pendulum has swung much too far to the left; far enough to deprive individuals of other First Amendment rights pertaining to “religion.”

That is not my opinion; it is a known fact in the United States and other Western nations. Plus, it’s a foregone conclusion in Muslim nations—no tolerance for Christians at all.

Having said that, there is Biblical evidence to support the (balanced) view of some separation between Church functions and government functions within a nation, state, or city.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalms 33:12).

Before we examine the Biblical historical evidence, we need to define Church and State. The definition of Religion will be indirectly included. This is necessary to adequately understand and appreciate to what extent, if any, there exists a practical distinction between what Governments should be (and do) and how the “Church” should interact with and respond to the administration of government.

What Would Jesus Do (What Did He Say)

We will, however, begin with one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture, indeed, in the entire history of mankind. A concept presented by none other than Messiah Jesus … actually, just one of many remarkable truths given to us by the Lord.

Here is the setting: “Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested … ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’” (Matthew 22:15-17).

Sometimes Jesus’s response would be patient, even gentle to the religious leaders who wanted to discredit him, then later plotted to kill him.

But sometimes not! This was one of those times.

“But Jesus knew their evil motives. ‘You hypocrites!’ he said. ‘Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.’ When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, ‘Whose picture and title are stamped on it?’

‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.

‘Well then,’ he said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God’” (Verses 18-21).

“His reply amazed them, and they went away” (Verse 22).

You think!

Personally, I run to Jesus, not away from him. Nevertheless, his response amazes me every time I read it. I would never have thought of such a reply. Once again, the religious leaders fell into their own trap.

This astonishing response of Jesus fits perfectly with the concern of “Church and State;” but does so in the context of the Roman Empire led by its dictatorial Caesars (with some authority wielded by the Roman Senate), having conquered many nations including Israel.

Should there be a “wall” between Church and State. If so, how high should it be?

One thing is clear in Jesus’s teaching and throughout Scripture: Anyone who truly believes in God and seeks him, particularly those redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Messiah’s death on the Cross, must acknowledge the authority of their government—unless that government passes laws or imposes conditions on believers that are in direct conflict with God’s truth.

After all, it is the Lord who sovereignly sets up and brings down rulers and governments.

“It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall” (Psalms 75:7).

Personally, I want my position (view) and practice (conduct) regarding separation of Church and State to be based on God’s view of the subject.

Such as the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior; who wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:1-5).

Definition of Church

This is the most important thing to grasp of all. I have commented on this subject in a few previous articles, particularly one of the earliest Eye of Prophecy articles, The Woman and the Beast, Part IV (published 11-2-13). Here are some excerpts in italics from that post, which also demonstrates that the Christian faith is not a “religion” as such; rather it is a personal relationship with the Lord based on what God has done for us through his Son (purchased our redemption) that we could not do for ourselves:

Nowhere in the New Testament do we find any evidence whatsoever that Jesus needed a seat of government, or permission from a king, or endorsement by ruling officials or religious leaders to fulfill his mission on earth. In fact just the opposite occurred: He was ultimately rejected first by the religious leaders and then by the greater populace because they assumed that The Messiah would rule and reign from Jerusalem and deliver Israel from Gentile oppression. That will, in fact, happen one day when Christ returns to this earth. But the Old Testament was crystal clear that the Messiah must first suffer and die to liberate mankind from its worst tyranny … enslavement to sin; which is, after all, what produces the unjust and criminal conquest of rulers and nations against each other. Not to mention the devastation of individual lives resulting from greed, envy, lust, pride, theft, jealousy, immorality, sorcery, lying, and murder.

Nor do we find any evidence in Scripture or church history that 1st, or 2nd, or 3rd century believers were commanded to establish a centralized system of church rule that would unite all individual “churches” into an authoritarian hierarchy that would, in turn, govern (through church officials such as priests, bishops, vicars) and rule over individual believers.

The early Christian churches were more often found to be in the homes of believers, and were so identified in Paul’s epistles as (for example), “God’s holy people in the city of Colossae,” or the “church of God which is at Corinth.” But never (for example) to the “church of Rome,” meaning the one and only Church of (belonging to or controlling from) Rome. And when Jesus refers to all seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3, he addresses his comments to (for example) the “church in Sardis.”

This is much more than just semantics … This distinction constitutes the very essence, the very character, the very identity, and definition of the church. It is the living church of God and of Christ, not a structure or system or seat of centralized, ecumenical power that claims ultimate authority over all who belong to that system including ex-communication; and that compels admission to and membership in the “Church” (beginning with baptism, including infants) as a fundamental requirement for salvation and, thus, qualifies its’ members to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Or, at least, places the members in good standing and gives them a head-start toward heaven; as long as they, in some fashion, remain in a “state of grace” though the conditions of this state are quite ambiguous.

The very words of Jesus contradicts and refutes this premise of salvation by admission to, affiliation with, and inclusion in any religious order by declaring, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The man to whom Jesus spoke was, of course, Nicodemus; who was a member of the elite Jewish Sanhedrin, whose every colleague was thought to be securely and eternally connected to God and the Kingdom of God. Instead, Jesus said that a spiritual rebirth—made possible only by personally believing and receiving Christ as God’s Savior to mankind—was the ONLY way anyone would ever see the Kingdom of God.

Although the book of Galatians is written to the “churches of Galatia”, the word “of” is needed because there were several churches (plural) in the region of Galatia. When writing to a particular group of Christians in a specific city, Paul always uses the functional preposition in or at. Thus, the church was so identified by the presence of believers in or at a particular location; not by a structure or centralized organization that exercised a governmental type of regulation over believers or the churches in which they fellowship and served, whether someone’s home or a building to accommodate the growing number of Christians in that city. The highest degree of administration over any individual church should be no more than the church board, normally composed of pastors and elders.

Application to Church and State Separation

It was precisely structured religion in the form of the mighty Anglican and Roman Catholic Church and the intrusion of these institutional “religions” from which born-again believers fled; exposing these Church-State organizations that did not represent true Christianity nor comprise the true Church consisting of individual believers, without need for a hierarchical structure to govern them.

In today’s world this would include any religious entity that seeks to control national or state or city governments, the most obvious of which are Muslim efforts to establish an Islamic Caliphate; but also individual nations whose governments are controlled by one of four Muslim sects—Sunni, Shi’ite, Alawite, or Wahhabi.

As indicated earlier, in colonial times the primary obstacle to and enemy of those who longed for all the freedoms granted by the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights was the Church of England and the Church of Rome. Both of these professed to be God’s institutional authority on earth. Both demanded complete loyalty, often times clashing over whose authority was supreme … the King or the Pope (including cardinals, bishops and even priests).

Nothing could be farther from the truth! Excessive authority, yes. From, by, and through God … no.

By Biblical definition and application, this would also include the Mormon Church and organized Protestant denominations, such Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian; if, in fact, their organizational hierarchy claims ultimate authority over Scripture or any born-again believers in their congregations.

The core principle of God’s offer of salvation for the human race through the Gospel of Jesus Christ is individual freedom—to choose or reject that offer. If accepted … total forgiveness of sin and complete pardon from sin’s penalty. If rejected … slavery to sin often resulting in human bondage to tyrannical rulers and governments. Then, eternal separation from God after death.

God’s marvelous truth of salvation is not, repeat NOT, to be forced on any individual or group of people in the same vein as Muslim attempts to convert non-Muslims and even fellow Muslims (from another sect) by forced submission. If the “infidels” do not submit, off with their heads!

What’s worse is that “professed” Christians (in name only) have attempted to coerce “conversion” through the military might of a nation or ecclesiastical intimidation or both. To that end horrific anti-Christian means have been used, such as war, inquisitions and excommunication that their misguided adherents believe is the kiss of (eternal) death.

Little wonder, then, that the First Amendment became the cornerstone and defender of the American dream of freedom to worship, assemble, publish, petition, and protest peaceably. To that end, the First Amendment specifically and exclusively addresses the restrictions placed on the United States Government not to prohibit or otherwise interfere with the beliefs of individuals and the peaceable expression of those beliefs.

Definition of State

Actually, it’s not so much a matter of how State is defined, as it is the type of government in force at any given time. In that regard, what are the different kinds of past, present, or future governments that can, in large part, determine whether a wall of separation between Church and State should exist, and to what extent implemented (enforced), if at all? I think that some excerpts from an Eye of Prophecy article, God Is in Control (2-21-15) sufficiently summarizes national governments down through the ages. As follows, in italics:

From the dawn of human existence virtually every kind of government has been in place at one time or another. A country’s government is often a reflection of its people … their race, beliefs (religious or secular), moral values, ethnic upbringing and tribal territory. But sometimes government can be an ill-conceived and unwanted bureaucracy with leaders vying for power and supremacy. All too often, innocent people are victimized by such power struggles, both citizens of the country and residents of neighboring nations that take exception to such Machiavelli type systems.

The common people, representatives of those people, wealthy entrepreneurs, ambitious leaders (good and bad), or all of the above can determine whether a country will become a parliamentary or a democratic representative republic; an absolute (king/queen) or constitutional monarch; an autocratic ruler or state controlled (communism or fascism) dictatorship; an aristocratic or military oligarchy; a cleric-run theocracy or even a true Theocracy. The idea of a theocentric government is, “having God as the central interest and ultimate concern.” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

Moreover, the destiny of nations (both good and bad) has often been determined by the benevolence or malevolence of rulers … the laws they make and enforce, the decrees they issue, decisions they make, benefits they provide, and goals they aspire to. As the leaders go, so go the people. A ruler with integrity, compassion, and wisdom can be, and often is, a moral compass to the entire nation. Conversely, a selfish, deceitful, evil ruler can bring an entire nation down. Even the United States of America, which many contemplate to be the greatest nation of all time (at least the greatest Republic), relies heavily on its President—considered by some as the most powerful position in the world—to lead … economically, socially, militarily, legally, and morally.

The rise and fall of great leaders, noble and ignoble; of great nations, moral and immoral, is the stuff that legends are made of. And many of these individual and national epitaphs can be found in the Bible as well as secular history. For example, the glorious rise and inglorious fall of Babylon.

Satan’s supreme goal is to create a universal system of belief that will: (1) internally and covertly destabilize and replace the Kingdom of Heaven currently in the hearts of men, woman, and children who have been redeemed by Christ through his great sacrifice for our sins. (2) To establish an international religious and political system that will overtly crush nations whose fundamental existence and intrinsic value is centered on freedom of worship and enterprise … a government of, by, and for the people, such as Israel and the United States.

These two satanic strategies are underway primarily through the cults of Christianity (internal subversion) such as Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witness; and externally through non-Christian religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Communism, and Fascism … All of these systems are predicated on a works based program of appeasing God to somehow (maybe) merit salvation. Likewise, Fascism and Communism—with the only difference that of the State rewarding meritorious conduct and service with … whatever rewards they deem necessary.

Things to Ponder

Ironically and unfortunately, a prime example of a wall of separation between Church and State is a godless, agnostic government (whether Communist or Fascist such as Stalin’s Russia and Germany’s Third Reich) that brutally suppresses all things Christian (and Jewish).

But no more than a national government headed by a monarchy or oligarchy based on a religion that is equally intolerant to anyone not a part of that religion … like most Islamic nations. Also, like the Church of England in which the King was head over both State and Church. Or like the Roman Catholic Church in which the Pope (for many years) reigned supreme over national heads of state.

Either one of these suppressive forms of Church or Anti-Church governments is exactly what the First Amendment seeks to prevent.

Can Christians contribute to, without control of, government?

Without valuable Christian contributions to (not control of) government, is it then possible for a democracy or a republic to flourish and survive if its citizens carry the idea of Church and State separation to its extreme?

Some tough questions, but there are Biblical principles and precedents.

Next week’s article will explore God’s interaction with people through different administrative (government) systems. To see divine instruction given and precedents set to determine whether there should be, “a wall of separation between Church and State.”

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eyeofprophecy … watch and wait

~ "For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus" (Rev.19:10)

Monthly Archives: April 2016

One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Messianic Jews … Part II

One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Messianic Jews … Part I

The Myth of Al Aqsa Mosque

Separation of Church and State … For or Against? (Part II)

Separation of Church and State … For or Against? (Part I)