THE LAW OF THE HARVEST

KEY/LAW OF THE HARVEST or the Law of Sowing and Reaping Gen. 8:22 Gen.8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease.”

2 Cor 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Gal 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Heb 12:11-13 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. When God created the first living thing, He gave it the ability to grow and multiply. How? Through the principle of seed and harvest. Your life began by this principle, and since your birth your life has operated by this same principle. Harvest springs from the good or bad seeds you have sown, whether or not you were consciously aware of your seed-planting. The principle continues today. To overcome life’s problems, reach your potential in life, see your life become fruitful, multiplied, replenished (that is, in health, finance, spiritual renewal, family—your entire being), determine to follow God’s law of seedtime and harvest. God has established spiritual laws, principles-invisible forces-that govern every issue of life. These spiritual laws are unchanging. While our circumstances, relationships, finances, or employment will change from time-to-time, spiritual laws that govern and impact us remain constant. Ignoring or complying with these spiritual laws will bring either blessings or curses into our lives. As our spiritual maturity grows in the Lord, we will discover the circumstances we face today were actually determined weeks, months, or even years ago by the decisions and choices we made then. Likewise, today's decisions will determine our spiritual strength in the near or distant future. WHEN WE PLANT, WE HARVEST The greatest spiritual law is the LAW OF THE HARVEST. It simply says that when we plant, we harvest. Conversely, unless we plant, we will not harvest. The LAW OF THE HARVEST is not about money, as some have portrayed it. It is about harvest and the multiplication of God's Kingdom. Often what is returned to us does not come directly from the person to whom we gave. It comes from unimagined and unanticipated sources. Thus, it is God's mysterious way of multiplying His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God expands by sowing seeds. No matter what you give, more will be given to you. If you give mercy, you will receive mercy. If you offer forgiveness to those who have offended you, you will reap forgiveness. With the same measure that you give to others, it will be given back to you (Luke 6:36-38). In fact, more will be returned to you. When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored Job's losses, giving him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). When he gave of his time, energy, and resources to pray for his friends, Job received a double harvest of everything. SMALL OFFERINGS MULTIPLIED The LAW OF THE HARVEST was employed when Jesus took a boy's meager provision of seven loaves and three fish and multiplied them to feed 5,000 people. Even today, the Lord takes our small offerings and multiplies them to touch and feed thousands. The LAW OF THE HARVEST is also true in human relationships. When we sow kindness into a friendship, we receive friends (Proverbs 18:24). It is also true in the expansion of the God's Kingdom. When Cornelius sowed prayers and alms, it resulted in the "good news" of Jesus being released to the entire Gentile world (Acts 10). Now that was an investment with tremendous dividends! The LAW OF THE HARVEST also operates in education. Those who teach learn more than their students. As a teacher sowing into the lives of students, God has multiplied my understanding of the truths I am teaching. I honestly believe that I benefit more than my students. Furthermore, my investment of time and energy is multiplied in my life, our ministry, and hopefully in advancing God's Kingdom. GOD'S HARVEST LAW IN ALL OF CREATION God has woven the LAW OF THE HARVEST into all of creation. It permeates the laws of physics and particle exchange. Simply put in scientific terms, it is the exchange of positive and negative charges in an atom that forms the building blocks to everything we see. Negative charges bond to positive charges, thereby creating matter. In a similar way, when we give, we create a negative charge (a reduction of what we are or have). By God's design, this negative charge shouts out for and attracts a positive charge (an addition of what we are or have). By God's grace, we acquire a greater total mass in the end. Said in scientific terms, true spiritual life is an energy exchange of giving and receiving. The act of giving requires faith that God is loving, good, and gives gifts to His children. By rewarding our giving, God teaches us the value of giving, and thereby, imparts His character to us. THE LIFE OF JESUS, A SEED SOWN INTO HARVEST The LAW OF THE HARVEST is even portrayed in the death of Jesus. He said that His life was a seed that when sown would produce the harvest of the Kingdom (John 12:23-24). Whatever we give (time, prayer, mercy, forgiveness, love, tenderness, patience, or even money), it will be given back to you with dividends. God will lavish it upon you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38). Of course, this verse is talking about judgment, but the principle applies.For in the justice of God, what you sow will be given back to you in greater abundance. Remember, it is the LAW OF THE HARVEST-not the size of the seed-that multiplies the Kingdom of God. Sowing and Reaping The Law of Sowing and Reaping What is the law of sowing and reaping? The law of sowing and reaping is mentioned in several Scripture passages (Job 4:8; Hosea 8:7; 10:12). But the primary text is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart i doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:7-9). This passage teaches that each of us is a “sower” who will reap the harvest of his own planting. If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap a harvest of blessing. If you sow to the flesh, you will reap a harvest of sorrow and adversity. What does it mean to sow to the Spirit? The immediate context of Galatians 6 gives several examples of sowing to the Spirit. When you bear another’s burdens, you are sowing to the Spirit (6:2). Sowing is more than money but when you financially support ministries (good soil) you are sowing to the Spirit. The larger context of the book of Galatians teaches us many ways to sow to the Spirit. Obedience to Scripture is sowing to the Spirit. Expressing Christ-like attitudes is sowing to the Spirit. To manifest love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control is to sow to the Spirit (5:22-23). To be led by the Spirit and to walk in the Spirit is sowing to the Spirit (5:16, 25). When you choose to forgive and not harbor resentful feelings, you are sowing to the Spirit. When you bring your imagination and thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ, you are sowing to the Spirit (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). When you refuse to tell something negative about another person (even though it is true!), you are sowing to the Spirit. Each time you speak the truth, honor your word, pay your bills, offer praise to God for His goodness, you are sowing to the Spirit. What does it mean to sow to the flesh? Paul lists many practices that illustrate sowing to the flesh. Such things as marital unfaithfulness, sexual impurity, indecency, sensuality, involvement with the occult, hatred, quarrels, fits of temper, selfish ambition, dissension, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and allowing other things to take God’s place in our life are ways one sows to the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Sowing to the flesh begins in the thought-life. Every time you hold a grudge, entertain an impure fantasy, wallow in self-pity, speak ill of another person, or fail to carry out your responsibilities through procrastination or laziness, you are sowing to the flesh. To be self-centered, critical of others, or envious of others is sowing to the flesh (Galatians 5:15, 26). What are the ultimate results of reaping what we sow? Paul states that if you sow to the flesh, you will of the flesh reap corruption. “Corruption” speaks of physical decay and moral rottenness that ultimately leads to eternal death in Hell. If you sow to the Spirit, you will of the Spirit reap life everlasting. The essence of everlasting life is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son (John 17:3; 1 John 5:11). As believers, we will enjoy this relationship throughout eternity on the New Earth. What if you fully reaped for all your sins? but Jesus paid the price for that. God is gracious and full of mercy. He does not continue to punish His children for past sins. Yes, there will be reaping in this present life: some sins lead to disease and other sins destroy marriages and families. The Christian is not exempt from the law of sowing and reaping. But God is not adding up all your past sins and making sure you pay for all of them. He forgives sin. He deals with His children in love. Even when He chastens them, (by His Word) He is doing so in order to bring them back to a right relationship with Him (Hebrews 12:9-12). What are some principles of the law of sowing and reaping? You reap WHAT you sow. If you sow wheat, you will reap wheat. If you sow a kindness, you will reap a kindness. If you sow a lie, unfaithfulness, or discord, you will reap the same. The warning, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” behooves you to be very careful what you sow. You reap in a DIFFERENT SEASON than you sow. Notice that Galatians 6:7 starts by saying, “Do not be deceived.” Why does Paul begin with this warning? The answer is found in the fact that your reaping does not come immediately after you act. Because of this, you can be deceived into thinking that the reaping will not come. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.” If you could see the long-term results of your choices, you would always sow to the Spirit. The harvest comes in God’s time—His appointed season. An example of this is seen for the Hebrew nation in the Old Testament. What are some implications of the law of sowing and reaping? What you are tomorrow will depend on what you do today. Right now you are making choices that will affect the rest of your life. It is imperative that you sow good seeds of obedience. In the future, they will bloom into a harvest of righteousness, not just for you, but also for your children and grand-children. As the saying goes, “Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” It is easy to become discouraged in doing good. The harvest often seems a long way off. But you must remind yourself of the importance of perseverance. God promises that you will reap if you don’t give up.

When Something is Stolen or is Seemingly Lost; He/ Yahweh/God Must Give Back Double, Sevenfold, Hundred fold, Addition, Multiplication or ? (wait for it)

GOD LOVES TO RESTORE

God is the Great Restorer. He loves to restore because He is the King of the kingdom/ kings and subjects are we. We are His birthright as well. Listen to what God said through the prophet Joel: "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…" (Joel 2:25a). God loves to restore what has been devoured in our lives. That's His specialty. The birthright is a right, privilege, or possession to which a son, usually the firstborn, is entitled by birth. "Birthright" is from the Hebrew "bekowrah" (Strong's #1062) which means "the firstling of man or beast." It is derived from "bekowr" (firstborn, chief) and "bakar" (to burst the womb, to bear or make early fruit). "Bekowr" is translated as "eldest son" in the King James Version. The Greek word for "birthright" is "prototokia" (Strong's #4415) and means "primogeniture (as a privilege)." It is similar to "prototokos" (first begotten, firstborn) which is taken from "protos" (first or foremost in time, place, order, or importance) and "tikto" (to beget, produce from seed). The firstborn son enjoyed a favored position, ( we are joint heirs with Jes. One with Him)including headship over his brothers, succession to the father's official authority, a special claim to the father's benediction, a double portion of the father's goods, (everything the father had) the progenitorship of the Messiah, and the priesthood of Melchizedek. Joel records God's message of hope: "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done marvelous things!" (v. 21). God talks about the abundance--emphasizing the process of renewal and the release of the latter rain and the spring rain (v.23). There would be harvest and fruitfulness again (v. 22). The vats would overflow with new wine (v. 24). He says, "I am not just going to fill your vats again, your vats are going to overflow! Your barn walls are going to bust down!" That's what God does. Biblically, that's what restoration looks like. Double Portion Exodus 22:4“If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.5“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.6“If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.7“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or articles to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8“If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he has put his hand into his neighbor’s goods.9“For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor. Deut. 21:15“If a man has two wives, one loved and the other unloved, and they have borne him children, both the loved and the unloved, and if the firstborn son is of her who is unloved, 16“then it shall be, on the day he bequeaths his possessions to his sons, that he must not bestow firstborn status on the son of the loved wife in preference to the son of the unloved, the true firstborn. 17“But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. 2 Kings 2:9And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Job 11: 6 That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Zech. 9: 12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. Isaiah 61:7 For your shame you shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. 1 Tim. 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. In Proverbs it says 7 fold return: (Pro 6:30) They do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; (Pro 6:31) but if he is found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the goods of his house. Double portion is your inheritance. In the Old Testament double portion simply meant the firstborn's inheritance Suppose a man had two sons and divided his inheritance amongst them. The firstborn son gets two shares in the inheritance, the younger son gets one share. So the inheritance would actually be divided up into thirds; the eldest gets two thirds and the youngest gets one third. That's what double portion means. The firstborn son would get double what the second son would receive. Restore in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is: #7999 Hebrew: shalam . . . make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace . . . proper (-ous), recompense, render, require, make restitution, restore, reward, surely. God restores, He multiplies! There is something about the "restoring nature" of God. In the process of restoration, God brings the object of restoration back in a better way than it was in its former state AND He increases it and multiplies it. He always likes to add more! Look at Job. When God restored Job, He gave unto Job--double (Job 42:10). That's just the nature of God. In the Bible, we see that if harm came to someone or something was stolen, that God would command that the return be greater than what was plundered or robbed. Very rarely would the return be "one for one." Almost every single time, the return was ordered to be more than that--a double blessing, or four or five times greater (Exodus 22:1; 22:4; Leviticus 6:5, 22:14). And it didn't stop at that point! There was a "seven fold" principle in connection with restoration. Proverbs 6:31b says, "Yet when he (the thief) is found, he must restore sevenfold…" When the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, God has set forever in eternity that you must get back . And God will restore you in a better way than you were at first, and then He will increase and multiply what was stolen. That's our God because God is good. We can ask God because of the nature of the restoration process of the Holy Ghost. He increases, and He multiplies. For instance, when God heals my body, when God restores my body, I'm not just going to be healthy, I am going to have divine health. And then I'm going to minister healing to the sick because I am getting a healing anointing in the process. That's restoration! Listen to this: anyone that gives up houses, lands, brothers, sisters, possessions in this lifetime for the sake of the gospel, God will restore back one hundredfold now! (Mark 10:29-30). The Lord does abundantly above what you can ask. He does abundantly above what you can think of (Ephesians 3:20). We need to have a bigger vision! When we stand in faith and believe that God is hugely enthusiastic about wanting to bring restoration into our lives, we truly honor Him. GOD'S PURPOSE IN RESTORATION God wants you to know that He is extremely interested in accomplishing personal restoration in your life. His desire is that when you experience the blessing of personal restoration (and you will, so have faith), that yes, you will be blessed, but even more, that you will draw closer and closer into His heart. His biggest purpose for restoration is intimacy with you. Listen! We can actually choose to stand in faith, believing that God wants to restore to us the same kind of special intimacy that He enjoyed with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I don't believe that we have to wait for the day when we die and go to Heaven to enjoy such fellowship with God because "the kingdom of Heaven is within you" (Luke 17:21). From what I see in my Bible, Heaven for me began the day that I received eternal life. That is Heaven. We are the Bride of Christ, whether we stand before God individually as His child, or collectively as the body of Christ. I want us to be an excited bride, anticipating the union, the oneness, and the intimacy that is reserved for us to take pleasure in, in Christ, with God. He desires to speak to us plainly as a friend speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11; John 15:12-15). Oh! To desire the presence of God above all else, and in a much greater way than our common thinking dictates--this brings God such great delight! God opened the garden again! He said to come boldly before the throne (Hebrews 4:16). He ripped open the veil (Luke 23:45). We can enter "the most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh..." (Hebrews 10:19-20) I say, yes, God restores double, 7 -fold, 100- fold in addition and multiplication. Yet a new concept I declare to you. God restore exponentially/infinitely!! When God blesses and restores you, he multiplies you by yourself and then again and again…and again. He turns a man into a nation. He makes a few fish and loaves of bread into a meal for thousands. He creates from twelve close followers and 500 others into a worldwide movement of over a billion. God’s blessing and restoration for you is exponential. Can you believe for exponential increase, blessing and restoration? Consider these scriptures. In the New Testament/New Covenant we are "joint heirs with Christ". Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I would say that Jesus already got the double portion (as the firstborn amongst many - Romans 8:29). So, what do we get? INHERITANCE, which is everything which pertains to life and godliness. 2 Pet. 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, Some Scriptures, even the OT confirms this: 27 So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and dgrew and multiplied exceedingly. Gen. 47:27 2. Exponential growth is the New Testament model – Acts 6:7 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many nof the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7 We limit God when we think of addition and multiplication...God wants us to think in exponential terms” The only barrier to exponential growth is our own unbelief – Mark 6:52 Last of all, think and meditate on this verse. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Eph. 3:20 Mirror Bible says: "to do exceedingly abundantly above" - a double adverb meaning "beyond all measure; infinitely more than". This is the highest form of comparison in New Testament Greek. God is able to do what we cannot do, beyond anything that we can imagine, as vast as the universe and time itself. What is that power? The Power, Yeshua/Jesus who created the universe!!

COLOSSIANS TEACHING

THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS Chapter 1 Col. 1:10-11 Col. 1:10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 1:10 Go on a walkabout tour to explore the extent of the land that is yours under his Lordship. Now you can conduct yourselves appropriately towards him, pleasing him in every harvest of good works that you bear. Meanwhile, you continue to increase in your intimate acquaintance with that which God knows to be true about you. This results in the most attractive and fulfilled life possible. (The word, peripateo, means to walk about everywhere. The knowledge of God is not our perception of him, but his knowledge of us; to know even as we have always been known. [Jer 1:5, 1 Cor. 13:12) Mirror 1:10 That you might tread around in life, equal to our Father Creator in your entire being, being agreeable in every effort producing good fruit and waxing strong in the full discernment and fellowship with Father, the supreme Divinity in and as all. RERichmond Tree of Life Bible Walk Worthy of the Lord--What is it to walk worthy of the Lord? 1. Walk in love. 2. Walk in purity. 3. Walk in peace. 4. Walk in faith. In other words, walk in the Spirit. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.” (John 6:63). The flesh being led by the 5 senses as discussed earlier. But just a bit of review: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:1, 2, NKJV). For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:13-15, NKJV). Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. The mind must be renewed to this fact. We can choose to live in the flesh ( led by the 5 senses) really the law of sin and death or we can live and walk in the Spirit, the law of life in Christ Jesus. Instead of realizing the spiritual potential that God has intended and which empowers saints to walk in His steps, a belief in this illusion guarantees that one will continue to struggle needlessly and live far beneath his calling. The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to all who come to Him. Accompanying that power is an ability to walk free from all the elementary things to which one was bound before. It is not as though the world, the flesh, and the devil no longer exert any influence or carry an ability to tempt. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17, NKJV). The marvelous promise of the New Covenant is that Jesus Christ has paid for our release from the prison of sin--NOW. The sentence against us has not just been suspended; it has been cancelled altogether. We are not merely emancipated from the penalty of sin, but also from its power. Fully Pleasing Him Related Scriptures: “Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 “We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” 1 John 3:22 What pleases God? You do. For on the 6th day God said after creating mankind: Gen.1:31, KJV: "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. And when we displease Him. He is a person. He has moral sensitivities. We please him, and we displease him, moment by moment. Within the gospel framework of his grace, inside the relationship of his fatherly acceptance, he is fully capable of confronting us. Not rejecting us, not casting us off, but correcting us. Because He’s a Good Father. Fruitful in Every Good Work--If we are to live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing unto him, we must know God and his will (intimacy), be strengthened in our innermost being (character), and bear fruit in every good work (contribution). The word “work” in this passage means “work, task, employment, deed, action.” God does not desire for us to grow in intimacy and Christ-likeness (who we ARE) while not actively engaging with the world around us (what we DO). He wants us to also be productive. Out of my being comes doing. James 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Works here is corresponding action of the Holy Spirit. Work-2041 érgon (from ergō, "to work, accomplish") – a work or worker who accomplishes something. 2041 /érgon ("work") is a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intension, purpose) of Holy Spirit. Increasing in the Knowledge of God--The knowledge of God is like a garment we put on that is way too big for us. We need to continue to grow into it. But the interesting thing is that for a Christian, the growing process never stops. The knowledge of God is a garment that you could never possibly grow all the way into. The knowledge of God is so vast, and deep, and wide, and high that you could spend a hundred lifetimes growing in your knowledge of God, and you would still have an incredible amount of growing yet to do. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in Romans chapter 11:33-34: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?' 'Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?' For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." Yet, we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Col. 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 1:11 You are empowered in the dynamic of God’s strength; his mind is made up about you! He enables you to be strong in endurance and steadfastness with joy. (His glorious power, or doxa, comes from dokeo, to recognize for what it really is, true opinion; God’s intention—his mind made up). Mirror 1:11 In this state of being, with miraculous power to enable great vigor Himself, we can continue in permanent bliss. RERichmond Tree of Life Bible Strengthened with All Might--“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Rom. 12: This is similar to what Paul is writing to the Colossians. He wants us to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding and strengthened with His Might. Here we are renewed in our minds - made new in our minds - so that we might prove, test and discern what the will of God is. It takes a power beyond your own to walk in a manner worthy of God and that is pleasing to Him in all respects, We are not able to live lives that are pleasing to God in our own strength. We are not able to live lives that accomplish God's purposes in our own strength. We must be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. There is a repetition of words here. The first two words strengthened and power are forms of the same word. We have in English dynamite, dynamo/ dunamis, from this Greek word. We might say strengthened with all strength or empowered with all power to get the idea of the same words used but strengthened with all power gives you that sense. "...according to His glorious might...." The word might is a word used of the power of God in the Old Testament. His might, His power, His strength. According to His Glorious Power--Many times in Scripture God is referred to as Almighty. In other words, He is the God of not just some might or a lot of might, He is the God of ALL might. He is only able to strengthen us with all might because He is almighty. Our ability to walk in accordance with the will of God is only through the almighty God living in and through us and working in us according to His glorious power! Almighty- having absolute power over-all. Related Scripture: Eph. 1:19-21 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality[a] and [b]power and [c]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. I. Three Greek Power words A. Vs 19 Greatness of His POWER 1. Def Power: #1411 dunamis: miraculous power B. Vs 19 mighty POWER 1. Def POWER: #2904 kratos: dominion / a ruling power C. Vs 21 POWER 1. Def Power: exeusia #1849: authority, influence II. Vs 19 Dunamis /dynamite power: exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. A. Speaking of the power God manifests toward believers of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. 1. Rom 1:16 the gospel of Jesus Christ” for it is the power (dunamis) of God unto salvation. 2. Dunamis power does not stop with salvation, but is toward us setting us free from strongholds: a. John 8:31 truth (you know) makes your free. b. Acts 10:98 anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and power (dunamis) .... healing all that were oppressed of the devil. B. This same dunamis power is to flow through our life as we witness and minister: 1. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power (dunamis) after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. a. We are to operate in the same dunamis power that Jesus flowed in: Mark 16:15-18. III. Eph 1:19 Kratos power: is described as mighty power. A. Def Mighty: strength Def Power: dominion, ruling power 1. This dominion was first given to man in the garden of Eden: Gen 1:26. B. Through the New Birth ( realizing we are born from above) we can retake our kratos power to rule: 1. Rom 5:17 reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. a. Def Reign: king, to rule C. With our spiritual weapons of warfare: we activate kratos dominion / power to rule: 1. Eph 6:10 Be strong in the Lord, and in the power (kratos) of His might. a. Eph 6:11 teaches us how to be strong in The Lord: Put on the whole armor of God. IV. Eph 1:21 POWER exusia: authority and influence. Eph 2:2 in times past you walked according to the course of this world, living in the sense realm, according to the prince of the power (exusia) of the air. 1. That enemy influence has been broken off of the life of the believer: a. Col 1:14 Who (Jesus) hath delivered us from the assumed power (exusia) of darkness. B. Now the Lord expects each of us to operate in exusia / authority / power as He did: 1. Jesus ministered the Word of God with exusia / authority / power: Luke 4:31-32. 2. The early Apostles ministered the word in exusia / authority / power: 1 Thess. 1:5. 3. Jesus has given us the same exusia / authority / power He ministered in: a. Luke 10:19 I give unto you power (exusia) ... over all the assumed power (dunamis) of the enemy. 4. The Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ has been given unto us as a source of delegated authority exusia power. a. Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power (exusai) and might, and dominion, and Every name that is named.. a. It does not matter what its name may be: sin, addiction, defeat, sickness, poverty, or whatever demon, you have POWER /DUNAMIS over it.

SYMBOLIC -AN ANALOGY: NEW JERUSALEM, A DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIDE- A PLACE AND A PEOPLE

SYMBOLIC -AN ANALOGY: NEW JERUSALEM, A DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIDE- A PLACE AND A PEOPLE

If the New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ, and if the Bride are the inhabitants of that city, the scripture would be referring to the believers—the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem—as the Bride of Christ. (Revelation 21:2, 9, and 10.) (Rev 21:2) And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. (Rev 21:9-10) And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God, For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing And her people for gladness. I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her The voice of weeping and the sound of crying.” (Isa 65:17–19) Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks of better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24 Yes, you have been allowed to approach the true Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have drawn near to the countless angelic army, the great assembly of Heaven and the Church of the first-born whose names are written above. You have drawn near to God, the judge of all, to the souls of good men made perfect, and to Jesus, mediator of a new agreement, to the cleansing of blood which tells a better story than the age-old sacrifice of Abel. J.B. Phillips New Testament We come to the heavenly city, but what makes the city? Gold? Pearl? The city is the saved inhabitants. God being the center of all life. Our coming is to a city, a God, a mediator, the Holy Angels and to the general assembly of past saints. So, we as the Bride of Christ are the city, though we come to it, its appointment is for habitation. But its more than a city, it's a heavenly city, a heavenly Jerusalem, and look what John sees the city doing. Some say that New Jerusalem is not a literal city at all. My opinion submitted to you is that New Jerusalem is a place and a people. John sees the city coming down from God, prepared as a bride, a city prepared as a bride We abide in a city, and we are that city. Example if all the people move out of the city where I live, it ceases to be a city. A city is a place with people. To be an inhabitant of that city is to be the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. In Rev. chapter 21 we see again the servants that now reign forever and ever. They see the face of God which is incomprehensible, but because of Christ and this marriage now forever recorded to bring hope. Here is our victory, the overcoming glorious faith we received while on earth. The New Jerusalem is already being established on the earth, but it is in the Spirit. Jesus said "The kingdom is already within you". Revelation 21:1-2 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The new heaven and earth coming down represents the spiritual dimension. The Holy City is the Body of Christ who has been renewed in the spirit of their minds and is beginning to reign from the heavens instead of the earth. We are no longer earth bound by the carnal religious mind. We are shaking ourselves from the dust of the earth and beginning to shine with the glory of the Lord. I know there will come a day when these truths will fully be manifested, and we'll walk in the light and the full glory of the New Jerusalem. However now is the day to begin to walk in it because the light and the glory of the New Jerusalem is already locked up on the inside of God's people and needs to be released. Rev 2:12 Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. I not only come to the city, I am part of the city, I am an inhabitant of the city, and I am adorned as a Bride for my Savior who is married to me and every other overcomer in Christ. I bear the name of the city, I bear the name of God. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.(Gal 4:26) But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,(Heb 12:22) (Rev 21:2) And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. Kosmeo, the Greek word for “adorn” is used to describe the adorning of the Bride of Christ for her Husband. The word means put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare, complete, make mature) (Rev. 21:2) Related Scriptures: (Isaiah 61:10) "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall delight in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of Salvation. He has covered me with the Robe of Righteousness, as a Bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a Bride adorns herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 49:18) 'lift your eyes round about, and see; all these gather together and come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you Zion, shall surely clothe yourself with them all as with an ornament, and bind them on you as a bride does.' Job 40:10 Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty. (Exodus 19:5) Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure (jewel, wealth,) unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. “For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ... These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly [country]: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:10, 13–16) “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) “Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:12–13) The Bride will be a visible declaration that the Lord is now in the midst of the earth Matt. 5:14. We are the city on the hill and the light to the world. (Mat 5:14) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. The Church, the city of the great King (Psa. 48:1-2), is Mount Zion, the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22-24). Paul explained the Jerusalem which is above to be the mother of us all (Gal. 4:26). Jesus Himself proclaimed the Church to be the Light of the world, a City set on a hill (Matt. 5:14). John was shown the Bride, the Lamb's wife, the great City, the holy Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9-10). The psalmist declared, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem" (Psa. 51:18). On a more personal note, Solomon observed, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls" (Prov. 25:28). To reiterate, The Bride becomes the wife, New Jerusalem. It is born out of the ascension of the saints in Christ. (Rev. 4;1) The angel refers to the city as; come see the Lamb’s wife (verse9). This identifies another distinction of the citizens of the city, they must be married and consummated in relationship to the Lord to qualify. They must ascend so that they can descend. Rev. 3:12 says these overcomers have the name of the city marked on their foreheads. This corresponds to Rev. 7: 1-3 where we see the 144,000. Rev. 21:17 states that the walls or the framework of the city measures 144 cubits. This symbolized the role of these people will take in forming the New Jerusalem. The city is what Abraham was looking for,, the promised fulfilled, “For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”(Heb. 11:10) We BECOME His {Already} Coming! He came and settled the matter with Jerusalem of OLD, as we are now His New Jerusalem. He now appears in His Body, and we are the manifestation thereof. We walk out His coming of the Past Declaration and Finished Work and declare a glorious and victorious future for the saints. In the Book of Revelation {Revolution}, the Lord brought closure to an old creation, as Now, we are His New Creation. We are the Last Adam and the Quickening Spirit, and there shall not be another to look for. Walk in it beloved, for as He is, so are we in this world! Symbolic/spiritual summary: Practical application: The holy city is a people. It comes down out of the intangible to the tangible, the invisible to the visible, and the unseen to the seen. The truth of the holy city is becoming a present reality, a substance and pure nature. It is coming into manifestation and clarity. The eyes of our understanding are being flooded with light. This can also be confirmed by the three-fold mirror of the new testament which is [1] 1 Corinthians 13:12, seeing through a glass darkly, [2] 2 Corinthians 3:18, beholding in the glass the glory of the Lord, being changed into the same image from glory to glory, from conception to perfection, from the cross to the throne, from the outer court to the holy of holies, [3] James 1:23-25, thus, becoming doers or performers of the word as we behold the need for change. This city, the church in perfection and glory, is being adorned, prepared to rule in the fullness of eternity with the Lamb as his bride. Though his Bride, we must mature into the reality of it. We must progressively develop into a fuller relationship with the Lamb. (Rev 21:3) And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. This is reinstating what has already happened in the Spirit. When the Bride is indwelt by Christ then the kingdom of heaven is ongoing. The kingdom has already come and is in you. The process “let it be done in earth (in us) as it is in heaven” is ongoing. Matt.(Mat 6:10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Notice KJV says in earth not on earth, in YOU! Futuristically/Literally, during the Millennium He ( Jesus Christ) will rule with a rod of iron (Word). Isaiah says (Isa 65:24) “And it will be, before they call I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” This too has already happened; it will be carried into the Millennium. Symbolic/spiritual summary: Practical application: The great voice began in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. This is also the first mention of the word "voice" as it is last mentioned here in the New Jerusalem. This means that the voice of the Lord and the habitation of God are connected with the same. For God the Father is not speaking into thin air. He has a people who really know his voice, and a stranger they will not follow or respond to. Now, this voice is also considered a sound. The sound principle is connected with Numbers 10:1-10 of the four-fold purpose of the trumpets, 1 Corinthians 14:6-8 of the need for certainty in the sound, and in Acts chapter 2 with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. For one of the vital keys to living life as a Holy City and habitation of God is in the knowing and responding to His voice! (Rev 21:4) And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away. This is the blessings of those who are New Jerusalem. Receiving a glorified body gives us the ability to cross over death. The Lord lives in us, resurrection power; we share in His victory over death, an ongoing reality. Symbolic/spiritual summary: Practical application: The former things are passed away, such as sorrow, sickness, and sadness which are mere distractions to say the least. In the fullness of the bride {Maturity of the divine Relationship, not just being married and caught up in the idea of being whisked away in rapturous joy unspeakable, but a Solid Union of Purpose} there shall be a display of awesome victory over these factors. These things were never to have dominion over us. (Rom 6:14) For sin/sickness/death/grief shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under Law, but under grace. Notice Paul said shall not have dominion over you. In this earthly life we go through the storms ; they do not conquer us. Also in the words of Paul the Apostle: (1Cor 15: 54-57) But when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and when this mortal shall put on immortality, then will take place the word that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Co 5:1-4) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our dwelling-place out of Heaven; if indeed in being clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened; inasmuch as we do not wish to be unclothed, but to be clothed, so that the mortal might be swallowed up by the life. Mirror Bible: 2 Cor. 5:1-2 Our skin bodies have a sell by date; our spirit bodies are eternal. The same God who fashioned our skin bodies in our mother's womb, engineered our spirit bodies to be our permanent dwelling. Facing pressure times the way we often do, makes us sigh with longing to exchange the skin-suit with the permanent splendor of the heavenly suit. Revelation 21:3-4 show us that, "...God’s home is now with His people. He lives with them, and areHis own. Yes, God makes His home among His people.” Not only that, but continuing says, “He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are GONE FOREVER." In reality now these things are gone forever. (Rev 21:5) And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. He makes everything new including all of creation. He will restore the Garden of Eden He will restore the Garden of Eden through us. The garden of Eden was originally intended to be the eternal dwelling place of man. When man sinned against God, Man was cast out of the garden. The entire hope of mankind it to be permitted to live once again in the physical garden paradise. God will restore the garden on a global basis and there "the faithful" will live a physical existence forever upon the earth. NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH: 2 Pe 3:5¬-7--The present physical universe is "uncreated" or eliminated: Rev 20:11--Rev 21 :4b The old things hove passed away-- (Heb 13:14) For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Rev 21:1.5 I make all things new--We will watch God create the new heavens and earth! RESTORED GARDEN PARADISE: Gen 2:8¬-10--Rev 2:7 Tree of life in the paradise of God --Rev 22:2,3 Tree of life Prophetic declaration of the restoration of city of Adam, Garden. (Jos 3:15-17) (The Jordan overflows all its banks during the harvest season.) When the priests who were carrying the ark came to the edge of the Jordan River and set foot in the water, the water stopped flowing from upstream. The water rose up like a dam as far away as the city of Adam near Zarethan. The water flowing down toward the Sea of the Plains (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. Then the people crossed from the east side of the Jordan River directly opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the LORD'S promise stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. God proclaims the completion of the new as well as the destruction of the old. (Rev.16:17). (Rev 16:17) And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air. And a great voice came out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done! GOD OF RESTORATION--BIBLICAL CONCEPTS OF RESTORATION Restore means to make restitution, shalam (Strong’s #7999; shaw-lam). figuratively, to be (or to make completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications). Translated as “make amends,” “finish,” “full,” “make good,” “repay,” “make restitution.” It has the idea of returning something to its rightful owner, or making amends, in the sense of attempting to put things back the way they were. To restore, shuwb (Strong’s #7725; shoob). To turn back (hence, away), literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point). This word carries this notion. This is exactly what happened in restoration of the temple: He said that the glory of the latter house would be greater than the former. When He restores, He does something that makes the restored of higher quality than what was lost. So it is with the restoration of all things. Hosea 6:1-3, KJV Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. ( Note: God allowed) The word for “return” in Hosea 6:1 is shoob (Strong’s #7725), and it means, “to turn back; again; to bring back, to restore, to refresh, to repair.” These are tremendous days of restoration. Joel 2:25, KJV And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten… Jesus is held in the heavenlies until the universal restitution or restoration of all things: (Act 3:19-21) Therefore, repent and turn to him to have your sins blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and so that he may send you Jesus, whom he appointed long ago to be the Messiah. He must remain in heaven until the time of universal restitution, which God announced long ago through the voice of his holy prophets. ISV RESTORATION PROMISES: The lost joy of salvation: Psalm 51:10–12—“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” (KJV) (THIS IS DONE; HOLY SPIRIT NEVER LEAVES YOU!) The lost sense of justice: Isaiah 1:26—“And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.” (KJV) The lost motivation for living: Isaiah 57:18—“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” (KJV) The lost time: Joel 2:25—“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” (KJV) The lost power to live strongly: Isaiah 40:31—“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV) The lost youthfulness in life: Psalm 103:5—“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (KJV) Symbolic/spiritual summary: Practical application: The throne is the seat of his authority, the place of his power. It is liken to the Ark and Mercy seat of the Most Holy Place, the realm of the hundred-fold overcomer. Hundred-Fold Overcomer The Overcomer is the 100-fold realm in God. Passover-Our Passover or salvation experience makes us aware of being a member of the kingdom of God or family of God. 30 fold Pentecost-Our baptism of the Holy Ghost or Pentecostal experience begins to teach us to hear his voice and be empowered to walk in the ways of the spirit. 60 fold. Tabernacles-And this "catching up" experience of his full appearing in a Firstfruits of the harvest people, will be what brings the complete rulership of Christ to bear in this world, which has been typified as the Feast of Tabernacles. A 100 fold demonstration of the tabernacling Life of God as King and Priest or Lion and Lamb in a Corporate Body. Overcomers think like those in the royal priesthood, like a bride-to-be who is riotously in love with the King of Kings. In the Parable of the Sower Jesus says among those where the seed fell on fallow ground, some brought forth 30, 60, 100 fold. The 100-fold Christian is an overcomer by becoming all God called him to be. The 30 & 60-fold did not give their all for the Kingdom and its King. Who Are The Overcomers? In the Revelation letters to the seven churches (chapters 2 and 3), Jesus made special promises to “he who overcomes.” Since Jesus was speaking to churches, He therefore was speaking to the Christians in those churches, not to unbelievers. It is obvious that He differentiated between ordinary Christians and overcomer Christians. Otherwise there was no point in Jesus calling on the Christians in each of these churches to become overcomers. The promises are experienced only by believers who are faithful and obedient, and failure to overcome means a loss of rewards, not salvation (see 1 Cor. 3:15). The reward for those who obey is the promise that they will eat of the tree of life. Eating of the tree of life is a promise of special intimacy with the Lord, a promise of renewing the fellowship lost before the fall (see Rev. 22:14; Gen. 2:9; 3:22, 24; Prov. 11:30). The privileged access once denied Adam (see Gen. 3:24) will be enjoyed by the overcomer. "to the one who overcomes, to him will I give ..." (Rev.2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:26; 3:5; 3:12; 3:21) (Rev 21:6) And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely. *Symbol- Water of Life- eternal life by the Spirit- John 4:13-14, 7:37-39 When everything is restored and the final judgment is delivered, the kingdom is turned over to the Father by Jesus. The Garden contains the Fountain of the Water of Life, Christ Jesus living in us, rivers of living waters flowing out of us. Symbolic/spiritual summary- Practical application: Jesus is the A-Z, the Alpha and the Omega, the 1-800 of God. He is the fountain of the Water of Life to those who thirst. John 4:5-26; Matthew 5:6 (Rev 21:7) He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. The manifested sons of God are joint heirs with Jesus and inherit all things. This inheritance is only available through Christ. What is the Believer's Inheritance? ( this is not an exhaustive list) 1) We inherit the earth. (now) Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 2) We have inherit eternal life Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 3) We inherit the kingdom of God. (now) And the kingdom manifests in the present and in the future. (Rev 11:15) And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever. 4) We inherit a blessing 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are called, that you should inherit a blessing. 5) We inherit position Matthew 25:21-23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord. Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. What does the Bible say specifically about the Believer's Inheritance? 1) Our inheritance is given to us on the basis of our faith in Christ. Acts 26:15-18 And I said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom you persecute. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto you ; 17 Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send you , 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 2) That our inheritance is not given to us on the basis of the Law Romans 4:14-16 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 3) That we are joint-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 4) That no unrighteous person will inherit the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God ? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God . Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 5) That flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. 6) That our inheritance is obtained in Christ Ephesians 1:10-11 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: 7) That the Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 8) That the Father has made us to be partakers of the inheritance. Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 9) That our inheritance is a reward Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. 10) That we through faith and patience inherit the promises Hebrews 6:12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience, inherit the promises. 11) That our inheritance is eternal Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 12) That God has chosen the poor ( those that hunger and thirst after righteousness) of this world to be heirs of the kingdom James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 13) That our inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled and fads not away reserved in heaven for us 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fads not away, reserved in heaven for you, We receive the inheritance now and it is progressive in nature. Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Revelation 21:7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. What does the Bible say specifically about Christ's inheritance? As He is so are we. 1) Jesus has been made heir of all things; we are joint heirs. Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 2) We have received A More Excellent Name (New Nature) Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Philippians 2:9-10 Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 3)All Power & Authority 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen. Symbolic/spiritual summary- Practical application: Those who subdue, conquer, prevail, and get the victory in all things shall inherit all things {And we do, right now!}. From Revelation 2-3, the 8-fold promise of the overcomer is at reach. It's the original dominion mandate from Genesis to Revelation. (Gen 1:28) And God blessed them. And God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply and fill the earth, and subdue it. And have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the heavens, and all animals that move upon the earth. (Rev 12:11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death. Hebrew 4:15-16; 1 John 4:17; John 16:33; Romans 8:36-37. (Heb 4:15-16) For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (1Jn 4:17) In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (crisis), that as He is, so also we are in this world. (John 16:33) I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. (Rom 8:36-37) As it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep of slaughter." But in all these things we more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Rev 21:8) But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Spiritual death brings separation from God. Having their part mean these sins will be cast into the Lake of Fire. The second death is the Great White Throne Judgment. We will discuss the Lake of Fire in detail later in this study. Symbolic/spiritual summary- Practical application: Among many, there are prevailing attitudes of the Second Death Mentality. However, such things mentioned have been cast into darkness. For we are not of the night, but of the day. We do not live by lower realm or nature, but the higher nature of ascendancy in Christ. Because we are one with Him, a demon spirit would have to get to Christ to get to you, and that my friend, is impossible. Cast off the old nature that only ministers death and condemnation. Puts on the new man which, can only minister life and peace. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Rev. 21:9)And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. Symbolically/spiritually: This verse is a beginning of the description of New Jerusalem not a physical city, but a spiritual description of the Wife of Jesus. Some say it is physical and spiritual; others say it is only spiritual and others say only physical. Seven is the number of completion, maturity and manifestation. The Bride is complete in Christ, obedient to the point that it is no longer us seen, but Christ. Obedience is the key to completion because we walk in His perfect will for us. Symbolic/spiritual summary- Practical application: The Spirit of the Lord is calling for a mature Bride, one who is now ready to make a loving commitment to be the Lamb's wife. For you can be physically married and lack much maturity. You can still treat the wife like a piece of meat, or the husband like a sugar daddy, and lack maturity in the basic social skills of relationship. Therefore, mature! Jeremiah 33:11 shows that the bride and the bridegroom are one. Oneness depicts maturity. (Jer 33:11) the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who shall say, Praise Jehovah of Hosts, for Jehovah is good, for His mercy endures forever; and the voice of those who shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of Jehovah...........…............ (Rev 21:10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God, This is the people ascending to the great and high mountain (a place to meet God, intimate relationship) (Rev. 4:1) where God descends out of Heaven to meet them. Then the Bride descends bringing heaven to earth. Descending out of heaven from God: The Bride dwells in the Most Holy Pace, in the Secret Place of the Most High; they are seated with Him in Heavenly Places. They descend bringing heaven to earth, letting it be done in earth as it is in Heaven. And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, Come here; I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb. 10 And he carried me away in spirit onto a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God - Revelation 21:9-10 Comparable Scriptures: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who is thirsty come; let him who wills take the water of life freely. - Revelation 22:17 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This joy of mine therefore is made full. He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:29-30 For a husband is head of the wife as also Christ is Head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the Body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be subject to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26 That He might sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing of the water in the word, 27 That He might present the church to Himself glorious, not having spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that she would be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way the husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also the church, 30 Because we are members of His Body. 31 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. 32 This mystery is great, but I speak with regard to Christ and the church. - Ephesians 5:23-32 The term New Jerusalem occurs two times: verses 3:12,21:2, 21:10 in the Book of Revelation. The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ, the consummation of the Body of Christ, the Church. In Rev. 19:7-8 John saw the church, the bride of the Lamb, adorned and made ready to be received by her Lord. Now, the Bride is pictured as the holy city of Jerusalem who will remain forever in God's presence. Symbolic/spiritual summary- Practical application: Compare this Jerusalem with the one in John 4 that the woman at the well mentioned. Is this the same Jerusalem? No! For one is from above, the other from below. (John 4:21-24) Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. In actuality New Jerusalem has come as we worship in spirit and in truth. (Rev 21:11) having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Having the glory (nature)of God: The glory is the radiant presence of God, everything He is) and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper (brightness and beauty) stone. The description of the Bride says she is like a stone most precious. Therefore, those who diligently seek him will become the Bride. The Lamb’s wife is described as having a foundation of precious stones and being utterly beautiful to behold. Jasper is a type of Jesus Christ on the throne. Jasper is a revelation about the visible Glory of this city, Christ in us. (Col 1:27) For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, (Eph 5:26-27) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish. Clear as crystal; Crystal describes the crystal river gurgling up and flowing out from before the throne is a perpetual river of rolling waters, as clear as crystal. And he showed me a pure river of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And out of the Bride’s heart flow rivers of living water. Clear as crystal means without spots. New Jerusalem are the ones without spots, the Bride. (Jude 1:12) These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;KJ We see the spots removed in the parable of the wheat and the tares. (Mat 13:36-43) Then sending the crowds away, Jesus went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the darnel of the field. He answered and said to them, He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; but the darnel are the sons of the evil one. The enemy who sowed them is the Devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the darnel are gathered and burned in the fire, so it shall be in the end of this world. The Son of Man shall send out His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. The glory of God is the life of this city. Everything in it reveals a pulsating life from the nature of Christ, Christ in you the hope of glory. It too, is the glory of the latter house in Haggai 2:6-9. (Hag 2:6-9) For so says Jehovah of Hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all the nations; and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, says Jehovah of Hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says Jehovah of Hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, says Jehovah of Hosts. And in this place I will give peace, says Jehovah of Hosts. (Rev 21:12) And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: And had a wall great and high :A wall is a battlement, see SS 8:9” If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. We are enclosed, protected all around. All of the Song of Solomon is an allegory of the Bride and the Bridegroom. The walls of the Savior's City are called "salvation" (Isa. 60:18). (Isa 60:18) Violence will no more be heard in your land, wasting nor ruin within your borders; but you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. Zechariah prophesied of David's New Testament City, "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: for I, says the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her" (Zech. 2:4-5). And had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: (Twelve is the number of Government and it is also the number of the Apostolic. The Bride is truly the picture of an APOSTOLIC PEOPLE!!!) We be the walls and the gates. Symbolic/Spiritual Summary--Practical application: Verse 12 speaks of the 12 gates of the city. The 12 gates of the city are connected with the 12 tribes of Israel. The number 12 speak of government and divine order. These 12 sons of Israel are also prophetic of 12 important experiences in the life of the believer. For 12 is also the number of foundation, as in the 12 apostles, the 12 stones upon the breastplate of judgment, the 12 manner of fruit, and Jesus at the age of 12. THE ENTRANCE INTO THE HOLY CITY THROUGH THE NUMBER 12 Let's look back at the foundation of this city by defining the names of the 12 original sons of Jacob. Keep in mind, Jacob was created, but Israel was formed. Isaiah 43:1 - Reuben - behold the son [Ben, a son, builder of the family name]. This principle speaks of the new birth and the beholding the Lord Jesus Christ in each other. 2 Cor.5:17; 1 John 3:1-3 - Simeon - hearing, he who hears; The principle here is obedience, he who hears and obey. Also, this aspect of maturity reveals hearing by the Spirit. Isaiah 11:3 [he that has ears to hear] - Levi - union, twined, joined adhesive and attached: This level of maturity speaks of being joined to the Lord as one spirit. This is the oneness principle. 1 Corinthians 6:17, 19, 20 - Judah - to praise, revere the Lord, worship with extended hands. {When you praise Him, you raise Him} Judas also means praise. One is praise of the heart, the other praise of the head. One portray Christ, the other betrays him. One is of the Spirit, the other by mental assent and flesh. John 7:37-39 - Zebulun - habitation [to be desired]: this speaks of the habitation of the Spirit of God, which we are. Praise or Judah often creates a habitation of the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 - Issachar - reward, hired, payment of contract, compensation, benefit, and price: We are his reward and he is our reward. As taken from the old Pentecostal phrase, "We are sold out to Him!" Genesis 15:1 - Dan - to judge, umpire, execute, judgment, even to minister judgment: Dan speaks of righteous judgment. This is judgment from a new nature. John 7:24; Mt. 7:1-5; Romans 8:1-4 - Gad - a troop or good fortune; to crowd upon, attack, invade, overcome, assemble by troops, army, band of men armed and prepared. This speaks of G.A.D. or God's Army of Destination. This also speaks of the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19, a predestined troop which is coming forth! - Asher - happy; to be level or straight, or right; to go forward, be honest, prosper; blessed: This level of maturity speaks of the fullness of joy, and the kingdom being joy in the Holy Ghost. Psalms 16:11 - Naphtali - wrestling; from a root meaning "to twine or struggle." This level of progressive spiritual maturity speaks of the armor of God and fighting the good fight of faith. Ephesians 6 and 1 Timothy 6:12 - Joseph - let him add or augment, to continue to do a thing: This speaks of the increase of God and the abundant life. Also, of a preserver of life {Joseph company}. Ephesians 4:16; John 3:30; Is. 9:7; Luke. 2:52 - Benjamin [or, Benjaministry] - the son of the right hand. This is the realm of the overcomer in Revelation 3:11 and 21:7. Benjaministry is the man-child overcoming company of Revelation 12.[Note: Benoni was the name given by Rachel before her death. Benjamin was the name given by Jacob or Israel. Benoni means " son of my sorrow," and reveals the principle of the kingdom or realm of darkness marked by sorrow and sadness. Such sad and sorrowful nature had to pass, making way for the overcomer. (Rev 21:13) From the east three gates, from the north three gates, from the south three gates, and from the west three gates. On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 3 is the number of the Godhead, perfection and the 3 dimensional being of man. Some 3’s of God Outer Court, Holy Place, Holy of Holies; 30-fold, 60 – fold, 100 – fold; Water baptism, Spirit baptism, Fire baptism; Brass vessels, Silver vessels, Gold vessels; Jesus the Way, Jesus the Truth, Jesus the Life; Live, move, have our being, Good, acceptable ,perfect; Jesus, Christ, Lord; Spirit saved (redemption), soul renewed (sanctification), immortality (BODY GLORIFIED); Called, chosen, faithful; Out of Egypt, wilderness, Promised Land; Justification, sanctification, glorification; Thanksgiving, praise, worship; Belly, temple, throne; Righteousness, peace, joy ; Prophet, priest, king; Little children, young men, fathers; Blade, ear, full corn; Divine healing, divine health, divine life; Foolish virgins, wise virgins, watchman; Born of Spirit, filled(baptized) with the Spirit,led by Spirit; Jesus the babe, Jesus the youth, Jesus the man; Milk, bread, Meat; David’s 1st anointing, Second, Third; Common salvation, great salvation, eternal salvation; Workers, warriors, worshipers; Azusa, Latter Rain, Fullness; Latter Rain, Latter Rein, Latter Reign; New birth, Holy Ghost, Full maturity; Gleanings, harvest, first fruits ; Rise, take up your bed, walk; Deny self, take up cross, follow me; Fruit, more fruit, much fruit; Holy, Holy, Holy (3 cherubims); Run, walk, mount up on wings; 1st heavens, 2nd heavens, 3rd heavens; Sun light, candlesticks, Shekinah glory; Moses Tabernacle Solomon’s Temple, Tabernacle not made with hands (us) David’s Tabernacle was a foreshadowing; Sight, foresight, insight; Evangelical, Charismatic, Christ being revealed in His Body; Salvation, anointing, adoption; Gate, door, veil; Baptized in sea, baptized in cloud/fire, crossing over into Jordan; Born an heir, earnest of inheritance, possession of inheritance; Dust, sands, stars; Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles; Song about the Lord, song to the Lord, Song of the Lord; 5000, 70, Peter/James/John (John received the revelation); Noah’s Ark : lower level, First level, Second level; measure, stature, fullness; having church, going to church. being His church; sun clothed, woman remnant of her seed, man child; Song of Sol 2:16, 6:3, 7:10 (progression of the Bride); Leave, cleave, become; Visitation, manifestation, habitation; For all Israel, priests, high priest; Birthright, blessing, inheritance; Little faith, great faith, all faith; Babies, children, adults; Entry-level salvation, spiritual gifts, His fullness; Faith, hope, love; Hear, understand, bear fruit Gates symbolize ear gate, eye gate, mouth gate etc. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.(Psa 24:7) Gates and angels both represent the 144,000, the Bride. These have entered the gates by obtaining the pearl of great price. Here in this verse the ways, gates, messengers, angels, the authority and God’s voice of New Jerusalem. Three describes completion As the Bride you will come into completion in Christ. The entrance into the city has four sides with three gates each. The number "4" is the number of earth and speaks of the 4 corners, 4 gospels, and N.E.W.S. [or good news, North, East, West, South] (Rev 21:14) And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (12 again is the symbol of Divine government, an apostolic people.)The apostles promoted being sold out and dead to self. The apostlesalso supported the Christ in us message. (Col 1:27) For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, This symbolism is a representation of what is most beautifully represents the character of the Bride, when it has reached the fullness of divine measure, and appears as the New Jerusalem. Symbolic/spiritual Summary-- Practical application: The city has foundations. Every believer needs a foundation; Hebrews 6:1-2. (Heb 6:1-2) Therefore, having left the discourse of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to full growth, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,of the baptisms, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Without it, there can be no city. The 12 Apostles speaks of the need for assemblies having apostles today. From apostolic revelation, apostolic reformation, apostolic recognition, apostolic destiny, etc., this too, points to Ephesians 2:20, the foundation of the apostles and prophets, or the patriarch and matriarch of the body, or in a wider sense, O.T. & N.T.. (Eph 2:19-22) Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom every building having been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit. Therefore, the apostolic is vital to restoring the church from visitation to habitation, from impartation to activation and release. Their ministry is "This Is That!" (Act 2:16-21) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: "And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And in those days I will pour out My Spirit upon My slaves and My slave women, and they shall prophesy. And I will give wonders in the heaven above, and miracles on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious Day of the Lord. And it shall be that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rev 21:15) And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall. The whole temple is just the size, neither larger nor smaller than the reed in which it was measured. The Bride corresponds exactly with the divine measure of the Word. The Bride qualifies herself to be a part of the city. Gold represents divinity and speaks of being transformed by Christ through sanctification. Christ is the only ruler by whom we can measure our lives. The golden reed speaks of gold as divine nature, whose measuring is by divine design. Ephesians 4:13; Revelation 11:1; {Ezekiel 40-48} (Eph 4:13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Rev 21:16) And the city lies four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand stadia. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. *Symbol- Foursquare city of God- Most Holy Place Rev. 21:10, 11, 16 Four speaks of end-time manifestation. Foursquare or 4 squares of the gospel are Christ as Savior, Healer, Baptizer and coming King. Foursquare also meaning a perfect cube, a symbol of perfection, the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place is within you. The Bride abides in the Most Holy Place (and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the city. Eph. 3:18-19 says: (that you) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Breadth, length, depth and height is foursquare denoting that which passes all knowledge and the fullness of God. The city is a cube, and we are to comprehend with all saints the breadth, length, depth, and height thereof. Ephesians 3:17-18 (Eph 3:17-18) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (THE 100 FOLD REALM) [Compared to the Holy of Holies] Dimensions of the Tabernacle: 30 cubits-Outer Court 60, to Holy Place, 90 cubits to Holy of Holies+ 10 represents priesthood of Melchizedek= 100 fold --30, 60, 100 fold realm (Rev. 21:17)And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. The 144 cubits also speak of the 12 tribes of the first testament times the12 apostles of the second testament which, equals to the revelation of the holy city in both testaments. Ezekiel 40-48; Acts 3:21; Ephesians 3:5; Isaiah 60:18; Exodus 28:20 [12x12= 144] The measure is as it speaks in (Eph 4:13) And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 144,000 is symbolically the Bride, God‘s ultimate in creation. (The dimensions are 12x1000 meaning there is room for everyone to become the Bride). Symbolically a perfect cube, a symbol of perfection, the Most Holy Place. The Elect/Bride are the ones who keep the city together. Descriptions of angels operating from the throne room refer to the sold-out Saints of God. 144,000 –The Redeemed from Among Men These 144,000 are the Bride , God's Israel according to faith. (This is a symbolic number containing 12x12x1000. Remember the 24 elders, representing Old and New Testament saints and the cattle on 1000 hills, meaning all hills!) Yes, the remnant of the Jews are there with the converted Gentiles! All are made one in Christ Jesus, one new man. (Eph 2:15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity (the Law of commandments contained in ordinances) so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, making peace between them; These are the wise virgins of Matthew 25. (Mat 25:1-4) Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Rev 14:1-5) And I looked, and lo, the Lamb stood on Mount Zion. And with Him were a hundred and forty-four thousands, having His Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from Heaven, like the voice of many waters and like the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. And they sang as it were a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousands who were redeemed from the earth. These are those who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, as a firstfruit to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they were without blemish before the throne of God. This true Israel is not defiled with the woman called Mystery Babylon (World System). We shall stand on Zion with Christ as his faithful Israel, the Israel of God. "But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels." (Hebrews 12:22) This is for whom Abraham was looking: (Heb 11:9-10) By faith he lived in the land of promise as a stranger, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise with him. For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. He was looking for us, here we are New Jerusalem!!! (Rev 21:18) And the foundation of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. Jasper-This stone is used as a seal. Jasper represents the seal that must be broken in our hearts. (dying to self), a characteristic of the Bride. It can only be broken if we seek after Christ. It is also a type of the Bride. Jasper is also another name for diamond. The diamond known for brightness, beauty and unbreakability. The Greek word for diamond is adamas, meaning "untamed or unbreakable". It is the hardest known naturally occurring mineral. The enemy knows that if a Christian becomes fully matured by the Spirit, he will be untamable and unbreakable like a diamond--an indestructible spiritual force (Ps 125:1). Diamonds are renowned for their superlative physical properties, making them useful for jewelry and industrial applications. A Christian fully matured by the Spirit will become known for his/her superlative spiritual qualities, making him useful for adorning God's kingdom and purpose (Tit 2:10). Engraving Diamonds have such hardness they were ideal for writing and engraving in ancient times. The diamonds of the Lord are used by Him to permanently etch His will on people's hearts and minds (2Co 3:2,3). They have a lasting influence. Their words resound and resurface. They produce fruit that remains. They are diamonds that engrave by the hand of God. Dispersion of light Diamonds are capable of multidirectional dispersion of light, giving them a radiance from any angle looked upon. Christians fully matured by the Spirit also disperse light, spiritual light, in multiple directions, at home, at work, at school, on the playing field, at church, in appearance, in recreation, in social life, in finances, in the pulpit, every angle of their life radiates and refracts divine glory (Isa 60:1)Diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds and three or four other things. Consequently, they hold their polish extremely well. Likewise, the diamonds of the Lord maintain their spiritual polish, or character, extremely well. Very few things can "scratch" their Christlike attitudes and reactions (Ps 125:1). Diamonds are formed deep within the earth from very high temperatures and very high pressures, and they surface in volcanic pipes where they are mined and extracted. The diamonds of the Lord, those Christians utterly matured by the Spirit, are formed through pain in the deepest and darkest places of life. High "temperatures" and "pressures" from the depths of suffering have forced an ideal chemical reaction between Spirit and truth in the soul of the Christian, producing a crystalline character that eventually surfaces in their personality and life. In the natural there is no such thing as a spotless diamond; all have flaws. However, the Bride is without spot (clear) and have manifested the Christ -in-us (jasper/diamonds) to the world. The jasper is a translucent stone of various colors, especially that of fire. The city is pure gold, which is symbolic of divine nature. This pure gold is clear as crystal symbolizing transparency: for we have nothing to hide. Ezekiel 1, Exodus 28:20 Rev. 21:18b And the city was pure gold, like clear glass. Symbolically gold represents kingship, glory. The city is pure gold. These gates all lead to the street of transparent gold. Father's desire for each of us is that we become gold, Streets of Gold. We may be walked over, yet we will still be gold. The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ come down to earth. And the streets of the city were pure gold, as it were transparent glass. Revelation 21: 21 We as the Bride of Christ are refined as pure gold. (Zec 13:9) And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, It is My people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God. (Rev 3:18a) I counsel you to buy from Me gold purified by fire....... Transparent like clear glass--The Bride is now transparent and the inside and outside are exactly the same. Now Jesus shines through her and she has become the very expression of His life. In this way, out of the multitudes who follow the Lord for miracles, and for loaves and fishes, some will begin to see beyond these, to the Lord Himself, and will go further, seeking this intimate relationship with Him. The Bride, in the Song of Solomon, does not talk about all that the Lord is capable of doing; rather, she describes how beautiful He is. In Revelation 22:17, the Spirit and the Bride are in such fellowship that they both are saying the same thing – “Come.” The Lord is waiting for this singular call. Like unto clear glass. We see through clear glass, see Him face to face not through a glass darkly” For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Corinthians 13:12). The Bride is as Christ (gold) glory to the world. (Rev. 21:19a)And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The wife of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is a adorned with fiery precious stones; the Lamb’s wife is described as having a foundation of precious stones and being utterly beautiful to behold. The foundations of the city are garnished or adorned with all manner of precious stones. These stones speaks of the believer as lively stones in 1 Peter 2:5. (1Pe 2:4-5) For having been drawn to Him, a living Stone, indeed rejected by men, but elect, precious with God; you also as living stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The stones point to the 12 stones upon the breastplate of judgment as worn by the priests of old. Ex. 28:15-30 They were: 1st Row--Levi- Emerald Simeon- Chrysolite Reuben- Carnelian 2nd Row--Zebulun- Moonstone Issachar- Sapphire Judah- Turquoise 3rd Row-- Gad- Amethyst Naphtali- Agate Dan- Ligurius 4th Row-- Benjamin- Jasper Joseph- Onyx Asher- Beryl (Rev. 21:19c)The second, sapphire ; Symbolic for beauty, hardness; it also implies obedience, content, understanding, and witness; the sapphire stone which also means to discern. Additional meanings of the name are: to declare, to write, to inscribe, to enumerate, celebrate, proclaim, show forth, and also to divide or cut. If we seek Jesus, as we seek the treasures of this world, we will see His Glory manifested in our lives. The sapphire was used to make Babylonian cylinder seals. Babylon is sealed or marked by the Bride as such. In other words, we expose Babylon, governmental Babylon being the world system, spiritual Babylon being in the church. (Rev. 21:19d)The third, a chalcedony; Symbolic for strong; fortitude. Chalcedony is golden sand. This speaks of the promise of Abraham that his descendants would be as the sands of the sea, golden sands of the sea, kingly. The Bride must see herself as the promise fulfilled. (Rev. 21:19e)The fourth, an emerald , Symbolic for the glory of God in His saints; emeralds are highly prized stones, more valuable than diamonds. The emerald stone represents healing life, birthing, rolling sea (water), turmoil (pangs, pain). Its green color speaks of Resurrection (Life), Restoration (Healing), and Reinstatement (Forgiveness). Emerald is a highly prized gem representing the Bride’s quest to be like Him. When we seek Jesus as we seek the treasures of this world, we will see His Glory(everything He is) manifested in our lives. The promise of His Glory will come only when He is highly sought after and prized In Rev. 21:11 the description of the Bride says she is called “like unto a tone most precious.” Therefore, those who diligently seek Him ill become His Bride. (Rev. 21:20a)The fifth, sardonyx; Sardonyx is an orange-brown stone; the symbolism here has to do with the sardonic smile which means a smile of contempt; the Bride laughs at the enemy . Sardonyx was used as the shoulder clasps in the priest’s ephod, where the names of the 12 tribes are written. The Bride represent the 42 generation or tribe of Christ, the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:20b)The sixth, sardius; The Sardius stone was reddish fleshly color symbolizing blood & man. As the Sardius stone, we truly see that we are man and that we were condemned through Adam (Rom. 5:15), but now we are the redeemed of the Lord by the blood of His sacrifice (Rev. 5:9). We are of the incorruptible seed (1Peter 1:23) and Hebrews the 10th chapter and the 14th verse tells us that we have been perfected forever. (Heb 10:12-14) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right of God, from then on expecting until His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. Sardius is the 6th stone, the number of man. You must get past the flesh to enter life. (Rev. 21:20c)The seventh, chrysolite; Chrysolite is like gold; The Bride shines in wisdom and prudence. Also, chrysolite is yellow which represents hay or stubble which will be burned up. (1Co 3:11-13) For any other foundation can no one lay than the one being laid, who is Jesus Christ. And if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, each one's work shall be revealed. For the Day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try each one's work as to what kind it is. (Rev. 21:20d) The eighth, beryl; The beryl stone represents a subduing or a breaking. Beryl is light or yellow green which represents the bringing forth of life. (Rev. 21;20e)The ninth, a topaz; Topaz symbolizes beauty, value. The topaz stone which was golden yellow or greenish and represents to seek. Green represents full life. (Rev. 21:20f) The tenth, a chrysoprasus; Chrysoprasus is a gemstone variety of chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green. To golden. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos meaning gold. This represents divinity and Glory. (Rev. 21:20g) The eleventh, a jacinth; Jacinth a lustrous orange-yellow, orange-red, yellow, or yellow-brown; it is a stone of purity and innocence. Jacinth represents the Glory of the last generation. It is the 11th foundation holding the wall of New Jerusalem. New Jerusalem representing the Bride or 144,000. Jacinth is to show us that the Glory which is on us through Christ will bring light and life to those in darkness. Note the parable of the vineyard in Matt 20:6-9 and the people of Zech 1:7-11 who go forth throughout the earth during the end time. (Mat 20:6-9) And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, Why do you stand here all day idle? They said to him, Because no one has hired us. He said to them, You also go into the vineyard, and you shall receive whatever is right. So when evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, Call the laborers and pay them their wage, beginning from the last to the first. And when they who were hired about the eleventh hour came, they each one received a denarius. (Zec 1:7-11) On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, it is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the Word of Jehovah came to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I watched by night. And behold! a Man riding on a red horse, and He stood among the myrtle trees in the ravine. And behind Him were red, sorrel and white horses. Then I said, O my lord, what are these? And the angel who talked with me said to me, I will show you what these are. And the Man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are those whom Jehovah has sent to walk to and fro through the earth. And they answered the Angel of Jehovah who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and behold, all the earth sits still and is at peace. (Rev. 21:20h) The twelfth, an amethyst. Symbolizing (royal priesthood); the amethyst, a purple stone, which symbolized kingly royalty. Purple is the mixture of blue (divinity) with red (man) which also symbolizes God and man becoming one. The amethyst was purple and signified royalty, kingship, and redemption. It also speaks of being sober minded and unable to be deceived or drunk. The intoxication refers to being drunk or deceived by the harlot’s wine. But the root word for amethyst is Alpha who is Christ. Therefore, amethyst speaks of the sober mind of Christ which all of the New Jerusalem aspire to. The Levitical High Priest wore a breastplate with these stones. The Lord is wanting to position His jewels in their places: The stones of the priests’ breastplate were set permanently in their enclosings; this word coming from a root word meaning consecration. Note these parallels: In the Breastplate of Aaron -"And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were enclosed in ouches of gold in their enclosings. "Exodus 39:10 - 13- The gems of New Jerusalem parallel: "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst." Part of Ezekiel's lamentation upon the king of Tyrus ( a prototype of Lucifer)"Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." Ezekiel 28:13 We took Lucifer’s place as chief praise and worship leader. He had all manner of precious stones and pipes for making music. We are the Bride adorned with all manner of precious stones with a built in shofar, our vocal chords. As we consecrate ourselves and bind ourselves by a pledge to the Lord, He sets us in place in His Bride as he sees fit. This is the position of our priestly office from which we will function in the power and authority of the King of Kings. (Exodus 28:21) “And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. These stones were also in the King of England’s crown. We have been made kings and priests unto our God. (Rev 1:6) and made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev 5:10) And You made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign over the earth. Summary: the meanings of the stones from New Jerusalem. This is a progression of our walk with Christ. 1. Jasper- This stone was used as a seal. Jasper represents the seal that must be broken in our hearts. This involves the breaking of self/selfish motives. It can only be broken when we seek after Christ. Jasper is also a symbol of the preparation of the Bride. 2. Sapphire- A stone used for making Babylonian cylinder seals. The Bride seals those of Babylon/World System or marks them as such. The Remnant/ Bride/Elect is not marked by the world system. 3. Chalcedony- Golden sand, speaking to the promise of Abraham for his children, a city whose author and builder was God. Chalcedony signifies the promise fulfilled, New Jerusalem. The Bride is the promise and acts accordingly. 4. Emerald- highly prized gem- The description of the Bride is that she is called like unto a stone most precious. Those who diligently seek Christ, forsaking the treasures of this world, will see His glory manifested in their lives. 5. Sardonyx- The shoulder clasps of the priest’s ephod were sardonyx. This stone represents Jacob’s portion. The 144,00 are the tithe of God, the first fruits, His portion. We are His portion. (Deu 32:9) For Jehovah's portion is His people. Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. (Jer 51:18-19) They are vanity, the work of errors; in the time of their judgment they shall perish.The Portion of Jacob is not like them; for He is the Former of all things, and Israel is the rod of His inheritance. Jehovah of Hosts is His name. The prodigal son wanted his portion of goods.(Luke 15:12) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that is coming to me. And he divided his living to them. We understand as the Bride, a son of God, we inherit not just a portion but all. REGENERATED SONS OF GOD--COMING INTO FULL INHERITANCE Israel’s history firstborn sons had these rights: As a joint heir in Christ we have these rights: 1. Regal rights- rights to be kings 2. Right to be priests- priestly rights 3. Right of receive a double portion (infinite) of the father’s inheritance This is where the names of the 12 tribes are written. You are the tribe of Christ, the 42nd generation, the New Jerusalem. 6. Sardius- 6th stone- 6 the number of man. This stone is a flesh colored stone. You must get past the flesh to enter into Christ’s Life. The first 6 stones describe the progression of bringing an end to our fleshly lives and bringing us to Christ’s Life. The next 4 stones carry into the fullness of Christ, living from the throne room. The last 2 are the final manifestation of the Bride and Wife. 7. Chrysolyte- Yellow represents large amounts of hay or stubble ( hay and stubble will be burned up) (1Co 3:11-13) For any other foundation can no one lay than the one being laid, who is Jesus Christ. And if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, each one's work shall be revealed. For the Day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try each one's work as to what kind it is. 8. Beryl- Light or yellow green represents visible life. 9. Topaz- Rich green in color represents full life 10. Chrysoprasus- A precious tone, golden in color, representing divinity, Glory. 11. Jacinth- represents the Glory of the last generation, the end-time people of God, the Elect, the 144,oo0 or the Bride. Jacinth is to show us the Glory which is on us that will bring life to those in the dark. End- time People described in Zec. 1:7-11 (Zec 1:7-11) On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, it is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the Word of Jehovah came to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I watched by night. And behold! a Man riding on a red horse, and He stood among the myrtle trees in the ravine. And behind Him were red, sorrel and white horses. Then I said, O my lord, what are these? And the angel who talked with me said to me, I will show you what these are. And the Man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are those whom Jehovah has sent to walk to and fro through the earth. And they answered the Angel of Jehovah who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and behold, all the earth sits still and is at peace. 12. Amethyst-The amethyst was purple and signified royalty, kingship, and redemption. It also speaks of being sober minded and unable to be deceived or drunk. The intoxication refers to being drunk or deceived by the harlot’s wine. But the root word for amethyst is Alpha who is Christ. Therefore, amethyst speaks of the sober mind of Christ which all of the New Jerusalem aspire to. (Rev. 21:21a) And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: The pearly gate is the gate into New Jerusalem or the way into completion. The Bride, the 144,000 are sold out and submissive to the Lord. They provide a wall to constrain the citizens of New Jerusalem into Holiness. The pearl of great price parable illustrates that we must be sold out to enter New Jerusalem. The pearl of great price in Matthew 13:45-46, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, (This is he Christian seeking more) 46 “who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (When he gets the revelation of Christ-in-us, one lays down his life to gain Christ’s life) The Bride is like the merchant seeking for more and she lays down her life to gain Christ’s life. The city in here in Revelation chapter 21 has twelve gates, and each one is a pearl. In an oyster, a pearl is formed when a foreign particle causes an irritation. The oyster cannot get rid of the problem, so it forms a pearl around it, which relieves the suffering. Often the thing that irritates us is the Lord’s method of producing pearls in our lives. Our failure to respond properly could cause the very thing which the Lord desires to accomplish within us to become destructive to His purposes for us. The pearl becomes a gateway into the deeper knowledge of Him. (Mat 13:44) Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found it, he hides it, and for the joy of it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. (Matthew 13:45-46) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 “who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” The "pearl" is the church as a whole, whereas the "treasure" in the preceding parable is the church in its individual members. In the first parable, Christ is assuring us that He has His eye on us for ourselves—that we are immeasurably valuable to Him as individuals. However, in this parable, He switches the focus slightly to assure us that all of us as a body, His Bride, are important. We are the centerpiece of His treasure—the Bride who will marry the Son. Christ joyfully gave His all for the church as His Bride, and He will prepare it as His adornment, just as a king adorns his clothing and crown with pearls. To summarize: The gates of pearl represent the “pearl of great price“, the selling out of each believer to enter. The number 12 represents apostolic authority, the foundations of Christ’s kingdom. 12 is symbolic of the tribes of Israel, Rev. 7”5-8. Symbolically this is entering the New Jerusalem, your walk as the Bride. Judah- He shall be praised Ps. 48:1 Reuben- Behold a son Rev. 12:5 Gad- a troop Joel 2:11 Asher- Blessed Rev. 1:3 Naphhali- my struggle or wrestling Eph. 6:12 Manasseh- causing to forget Phil 3:13-15 Simeon- hearkening- Ps/ 103: 20-22 Levi- a joining- Jer. 60:4-5 Issachar- reward Rev. 22:12 Zebulan- dwelling habitation Zac. 2:10-13 Joseph- may he add or gather Eph. 1:9-10 Benjamin- son of right hand- Col. 3:1-4 Analogy Entering into New Jerusalem. As we praise him with our life, we recognize ourselves as a son and joint heir. We gather together (troops and tribes) and become blessed. To allow the blessings to flow, we let iron sharpen iron, thereby we lose our old life and its carnality. We realize our struggle and wrestling is not with the flesh but learning our identity in Him. We become who we already are, causing us to forget the old life which was no life at all. We hearken, listen intently to the Voice within us, Christ in us the manifested glory. His voice of correction (iron) within the Body of Christ (jointly fit together edifying each other in love) joins us together through a single purpose of revealing more of Christ in us which is our treasure and present day reward. As He increases in us, His presence is seen through us, a dwelling place continual habitation of the great I AM. We lose our judgmental, critical attitude and walk in love. The world can now see and desire this life, the life of Christ working in us and through us. Therefore, as we gather more sons into the glory of His presence, we are made perfect, mature Heb. 2:10. God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete in which He brings all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head. All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. There is a manifestation of a son of the kingdom, the son of His right hand. Already a son and joint heir, but now His Bride/Wife, the New Jerusalem. Summary of Rev. 21:21a The twelve gates are twelve pearls, as the pearl of great price. A pearl is something not easily found. There is a considerable depth of degree to obtain these pearls. The principle speaks of paying a price {Which of course, Jesus did! But the price of Process, we endure.} It will cost you something {or EVERYTHING} to press through the pearly gates of testing, trial, and tribulation. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way. John 12:25; Matthew 7:6; 13:46. (Rev. 21:21b) And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. This represents the kingly anointing of the Bride. We as the Bride will always walk in prosperity (spirit, soul and body) on streets of gold. Entering in your walk as the Bride will be pure gold, ordered of God as a walk without spot or blemish, transparent. Father's desire for each of us is that we become pure gold--Streets of Gold. We will be walked upon, but only a few will recognize that they are walking upon gold! We may be walked over, yet we will still be gold. The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ come down to earth. And the streets of the city were pure gold, as it were transparent glass. Have we become pure gold? (Rev. 21:22)And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, God lives in us. (Immanuel) This is not an outside temple but inside. It is not about sacrifice but about relationship. We do not follow Him out of fear or with our natural strength to earn favors to hold back judgment because we have already been judged in Christ. We do not follow Him to be seen of men or to receive rewards. Now we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Laying down our lives, surrender and obedience, not done in the natural but in the spiritual. His presence is our treasure. This is the true anointing of God; in His presence is fullness of joy. Summary: The Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the temple of the city. This speaks of the Melchizedek Order of King-Priest Ministry, the Lion and the Lamb together. Meaning, everything about the life of the believer should be full of the character and pure nature of Christ, as we build first on the Lamb before the Lion. David may be a man of war, but Solomon {Peace} builds the house. For though we have a weapon in one hand, there is a tool in the other. Both natures co-exist. Both balance the other, as iron sharpens iron. Note: Melchizedek is defined as Righteous King, and is the Priest of the most high, which was in Salem... {Gen. 14:18}; Col. 2:10, 19; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15. We are priests after the order of Melchizedek. (Jesus/Yeshua) (Rev. 21:23) And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Symbolically the city has no need: You have no need of men to teach (enlighten) you. For Christ, the anointed One and His anointing is in you. He will show you all things. 1 John 2:27. We are not talking about anointed teachers of the Word who educate, draw from your spirit man, but someone who appeals to the intellectual mind. (1Jn 2:27) But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and no lie, and as He has taught you, abide in Him. There is no need for the natural once you enter the kingdom. (Mat 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things (the natural) shall be added to you. The adorning of the Bride , her righteousness (Christ’s righteousness) is "the glory of God", which is the light of the city. The submission of "...the Lamb is the light thereof." That submission to the Lord Jesus Christ is the Light, the brightness and the glory of the city. The Light of the New Jerusalem Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God (Elohim) created (Bara) the heavens and the earth.2 The earth was (became) without form, and void; and darkness (ignorance, confusion) was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 1ST DAY-LIGHT – GLORY- Everything God Is! Genesis 1:3 Then God (Elohim) said, “Let there (Hayah) be light” ( GLORY); and there was light.(Light in the Hebrew means revelation, glory of God, manifestation of God Himself) 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Light- Hebrew- 215,216 “owr”1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up--God’s Presence (Glory) came upon the earth, bringing order out of chaos and confusion. Analogy to New Jeruslaem: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory of God did light it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."—Revelation 21:23. It is the 'new Jerusalem' that these words are written; the city of glory and blessing; the city of the saints and home of the redeemed; the metropolis of creation; the city of God and of the Lamb; the habitation of the bride, the Bride/the Lamb's wife; the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. The passage might more truly be rendered, 'the Lamb is the lamp thereof,' or 'its lamp is the Lamb;' for lamp, not light, is the correct translation. The two clauses in this verse are meant to give us the complete idea of the illumination of the city. 'The glory of God did light it—and the Lamb is its lamp.' All that sunlight-splendor is to a city—the 'glory of God' or Shekinah is. And all that lamps are to a city, publicly or privately—the Lamb is. As with us now there is the alteration of the lights of day and night, so then and in that city there is to be the alternation of the glory of God and the Lamb. There shall be no night there; and they 'need no candle (no earthly "lamp"), neither light of the sun,' for they have that which is better than both; not created nor borrowed light, but uncreated, unreflected light from the divine and eternal fountainhead. That which is written of the earthly Jerusalem is much more true of the heavenly, for the one is the image or counterpart of the other. 'No longer will you need the sun or moon to give you light, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and he will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end!' (Isaiah 60:19, 20). Jesus is the Light of the world; we are the light of the world . Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun (SON), and the light of the sun shall be, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the breach of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound. Let he that hath an ear, let him hear. I. It is a SPECIAL light. There is none like it. Fed by no earthly oil, its blaze is not earthly. Yet it is truly light for men. It is divine, but it is also human. All created and all uncreated brilliance is concentrated in it. The man Christ Jesus is there. God over all is there. The Word made flesh, and that flesh truly ours—that flesh broken and given for the life of the world—this is the essence of the light. Christ Jesus filled with the Spirit—the Lamb to whom pertain the seven lamps of fire—Christ Jesus, the Lamb slain—it is He as such, that is the lamp of the holy city, possessing and giving forth all the light the city needs, yet that light softened and mellowed by His cross and grave. It is not so much as God, or as the Christ, that He is the lamp of the city, but as the Lamb. The Bride is also the Light. II. It is UNCHANGING light. He from whom it emanates is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Here there is no rising nor setting; no clouding nor eclipsing. It is one calm, full, clear light, from which nothing can be taken, and to which there can be nothing added; without variableness or shadow of turning. It terminates and supersedes all other lights, and itself remains forever, like the lamp of the temple which went not out by night nor by day. Parable of the 10 virgins: The lamps of the virgins who went forth to meet the Bridegroom are no more needed now; and He who in the dark ages of His own absence from earth walked in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has now become so fully the light of His saints and of their city, that they shall fear no darkness. He Himself has become their everlasting light, and that in a larger and completer sense than when He announced Himself as the light of the world. The foolish virgins might say 'our lamps are gone out;' but of this eternal lamp there shall be no quenching, no going out. The wise virgins would find that when they entered into the marriage-hall of that Bridegroom whom they had gone forth to meet, there was no more need of their lamps; for the Bridegroom Himself would be their light forever; a lamp that would never burn low or wax dim, but retain its brightness for evermore. III. It is FESTAL light. The feast is spread; the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' The light of this great feast—the lamp of this hall and of this city—is the Lamb. This feast-day has not yet come; the Bridegroom is absent, and His friends are fasting, not feasting; and not only fasting, but passing through this land of deserts with just enough of light to show them the way. But when they enter the festal hall and sit down at the marriage supper, then shall they not only feed on the royal dainties, but enjoy the light of that lamp which is to gladden their festival with its soft rays—rays which shall be altogether in harmony with the bridal feast, the bridal dress, and the bridal song. IV. It is ALL-PERVADING light. It is not confined to a few favored dwellings; to a palace, or a temple, or one region of the city. The whole city shall be full of light. It shall enter every house, and room, and chamber, until each corner and crevice is illuminated, and every face made to shine with the gracious splendor, as was the face of Moses when he conversed with God, or the faces of the disciples on the transfiguration mount. The light is all pervading. It penetrates everywhere; it fills all things; it can be excluded by no hindrances; no, the very walls, which here on earth shut out the light, there help to convey it and to enhance its brightness. Christ is all and in all, spiritually and materially, for soul and for body! As our earthly atmosphere finds its way everywhere, unbidden and unsought, so shall it be with this heavenly light. We shall not need to go in search of it. It shall be in every place, night and day, round the whole year. Its walls are Christ; its foundations are Christ; its cornerstone is Christ; its joy is Christ; its glory is Christ; its light is Christ. V. It is the light of LIFE. It is living light, life-giving light; not dead and inert like that of our sun, and moon, and stars, but living; instinct with life, and health, and immortality. It fills the whole man with life—spirit, soul, body. Where it is, death cannot enter, and the curse cannot exist. It diffuses blessing as it shines—the blessing of undecaying health and an endless life. When enjoying 'summer's sunshine' here, we feel as if there were health in it, life in it; much more shall we find of the true health and life in this more glorious light. The Sun of righteousness has healing in His wings, and He who is the Sun of righteousness is the lamp of the new Jerusalem. (Mal 4:2a,b) But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, and healing will be on His wings. VI. It is the light of LOVE. For that name, 'the Lamb,' contains within it the revelation of the love of God. Where the Lamb is there is love, the love of God—the love of the Son in coming, and the love of the Father in sending. That lamp, which is the Lamb, then must be love; its light must be the light of redeeming love. It pours its radiance through transparencies, which all speak of the cross and the blood, of Gethsemane and Golgotha, flooding the golden streets of the jasper city with an effulgence that shall speak throughout eternity of the broken body and shed blood of the Lord. Every ray shall carry us back to the cross; and the light which shall be cast by it on every object in the happy city shall partake of that crimson tinge, which shall not merely remind us of the 'Word made flesh,' but of the great propitiation, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. From the lamp of the new Jerusalem there shall shine forth the eternal song, 'Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, to Him be glory and dominion forever!' (Rev 1:5) even from Jesus Christ the faithful Witness, the First-born from the dead and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Hallelujah!!) Summary- Practical application: The glory of the Lamb far exceeds the glory of the sun [Sunday morning Fellowship] and the glory of the moon [Evening and Mid-week Fellowship]. (just a pun but so true) For his manifest presence is not confined to buildings or special services. Whether Miracle Night, Youth Night, Watch Night, Silent Night, or Shout Night, the glory of the Lamb is even greater.1 Chronicles 17:5 [From glory to glory, conception to perfection, from tent to temple, to the temple not made with hands, us] (1Ch 17:5) For I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel until today, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. (2Co 5:1) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (Rev. 21:24) And the nations of them which are saved (delivered, protected, made whole, received their inheritance) shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory (dignity, praise, worship) and honor into it. Parallel verses: (Psa 2:8-12) Ask of Me, and I shall give the nations Your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. And now be wise, O kings; be instructed, O judges of the earth. Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled in but a little time. Blessed are all who put their trust in Him. Our prayers ask that God will give the nations our inheritance. That means that they will obtain the same inheritance as we do. Read this verse without the interjected words of the translators. Ps. 2:8 as I have. Our words release rulership and dominion. Rod of iron stands for the word of correction given in love by the Elect/Bride. The Bride will bring the others into this revelation. Others around the globe shall come into the revelation that the Holy City is the Church in perfection and glory, the Bride adorned for her husband. John 10:16 (Rev. 21:25a)And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: Again our spiritual gates (eargate, eyegate etc.) are never closed, always hearing and sensing the Lord, always praising and speaking of His goodness. (Psa 24:7-10) Lift up your heads, O gates; and be lifted up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. Another spiritual view: Christ will be available to all. We as the Bride stand as an open door through which men can obtain the Glory of Christ. The Light of the Gospel and the Glory of His presence will be illuminated to the world. (Rev. 21:25b)For there shall be no night there. Our Father God is light and in Him is no shadow or darkness. (Jas 1:16-17) Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Father of lights:(Mat 5:14) "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. A city? You are the light of New Jerusalem. The Lord God gives the Bride light, light in the spiritual sense of the word, the light according to which we shall know and walk directly. (Rev. 21:26)And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. This is a picture of His Bride, arrayed in the beauty of holiness and covered in the glory of God, standing as a light to the nations of the world. Glory is the radiant presence of God Himself, everything He is. Glory is Christ in us being see. Christ in you the manifested glory of God. (Col 1:27) For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, (John 17:10) And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I am glorified in them. This is the Bride, the church without spot or wrinkle.(Eph 5:27) that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish. What did God mean when He said “no spot”? The word in the Greek for spot, found in Ephesians 5:27, is used in only one other scripture. Second Peter uses spot to describe deceivers attending our lovefeasts—they are spots and blemishes. Jesus is returning to a church without deceivers in our lovefeasts. (Eph 5:27) that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish. What did God mean when He said “no spot”? The word in the Greek for spot, found in Ephesians 5:27, is used in only one other scripture. Second Peter uses spot to describe deceivers attending our lovefeasts—they are spots and blemishes. Jesus is returning to a church without deceivers in our lovefeasts. Love feasts: The early Christians referred to the communal meal (we call it communion) meal as the agape. Even after the death of the apostles, the pre-Nicene Church continued to practice the agape or love feast. Yet, within a century or so after Constantine’s conversion, this important part of apostolic worship totally disappeared. Another place in Scripture that describes eating as an integral part of a New Testament worship service is Acts 20:11, where it mentions: “When he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.” So Paul didn’t just preach; he also ate! And, then, of course, there is the well-known reference in Jude, where Jude refers to those who are “spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves” (Jude 12). Here Jude uses the Greek word agape to refer to what is commonly known today as the love feast. Love feasts:(Agape) (1) revealed the love and charity of Christ to the world; (2) it was the means of strengthening the mutual love of the disciples: a festival which love originated, and where love reigned. The feasts of charity, the agape or love feasts, of which the apostle speaks, were in use in the primitive Church till the middle of the fourth century. The fatherless, the widows, and the strangers were invited to these feasts, and their eating together was a proof of their love to each other; whence such entertainments were called love feasts. Love feasts are mentioned by Jude in verse 12. Referring to certain base persons, he states: "These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves" (NKJV). Other translations render the verse as follows: "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear" (KJV). "These are they who are hidden rocks in your lovefeasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves" (ASV). "These are blemishes on your love feasts, as they boldly carouse together, looking after themselves" (RSV). "These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love-feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves" (NASV). Jude warned the Church while participating in the agape, love feasts to be a servant. It appears that false ministers, unholy and impure, continued to have outward fellowship with the Church! This is strange: but it is very likely that their power and influence in that place had swallowed up, or set aside, the power and authority of the real ministers of Christ; a very common case when worldly, time-serving men get into the Church. Feeding themselves without fear--Eating, not to suffice nature, but to pamper appetite. It seems the provision was abundant, and they ate to gluttony and riot. It was this which brought the love feasts into disrepute in the Church, and was the means of their being at last wholly laid aside. Clouds-without water-- The doctrine of God is compared to the rain, Deut. xxxii. 2, and clouds are the instruments by which the rain is distilled upon the earth. In arid or parched countries the very appearance of a cloud is delightful, because it is a token of refreshing showers; but when sudden winds arise, and disperse these clouds, the hope of the husbandman and shepherd is cut off. These false teachers are represented as clouds; they have the form and office of the teachers of righteousness, and from such appearances pure doctrine may be naturally expected: but these are clouds without water - they distil no refreshing showers, because they have none; they are carried away and about by their passions, as those light fleecy clouds are carried by the winds. Trees whose fruit were corrupt, galled or diseased trees; a disease (in trees) which causes their fruit to wither; for although there are blossoms, and the fruit shapes or is set, the galls in the trees prevent the proper circulation of the sap, and therefore the fruit never comes to perfection. Hence the apostle immediately adds, without fruit; i.e. the fruit never comes to maturity. This metaphor expresses the same thing as the preceding. They have the appearance of ministers of the Gospel, but they have no fruit. Twice dead-- First, naturally and practically dead in sin, from which they had been revived by the preaching and grace of the Gospel. Secondly, dead by backsliding or apostasy from the true faith, by which they lost the grace they had before received; and now likely to continue in that death, because plucked up from the roots, their roots of faith and love being no longer fixed in Christ Jesus. The main characteristic of a church without spot or wrinkle, the Bride, is faith and love being fixed in Christ Jesus, abiding in Him, revealing the love and charity of Christ to the world; strengthening mutual love of the Body, love reigning. Continuation of (Rev 21:25-26) And its gates may not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Jesus is the Light of the world; we are the light of the world . (John 8:12 MKJV) Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. No darkness in God:(Jas 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning. (Mat 5:14 MKJV) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. His name (His nature) is and ever shall be on/in our foreheads. (Isa 62:2 MKJV) And the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah will name. (Rev 2:17 MKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it . At this point those who will shall become the Bride, therefore, bringing glory to Him. Darkness, lies, deceit, confusion and deception will be done away with so obedience becomes the path to Christ’s Glory. Summary-- Practical application: Gates shall be open continually: The gates from Reuben [beholding the son] to Benjamin [son of the right hand] shall be open continually. There shall be no more night or obscurity concerning the habitation of God. Men and women from far and near shall witness the church as the New Jerusalem, the city set on a hill which cannot be hid. The precious stones of this city shall be the various cultures/peoples from around the world. The ethnics shall share in the inheritance of the glorious church, the city of God, the tabernacle of the most high. The nations are coming! (Isa 2:2-4) And it shall be, in the last days the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it. And many people shall go and say, Come, and let us go to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob. And He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go out the Law, and the Word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (1Th 5:1-7) But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. For you yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety! Then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail upon a woman with child. And they shall not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the Day should overtake you like a thief. You are all the sons of light and the sons of the day. We are not of the night, or of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be calm. For those sleeping sleep in the night, and those being drunken are drunken in the night. (Rev 21:27) And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. There shall be no defilement, abomination, or lie in this city. The perfection of the church shall take us from speaking and living a lie, to abounding truth. For honesty is the ability not to lie to others, but maturity is the ability not to lie to ourselves. John 14:6 Symbolically/spiritually the Elect/ Bride, the Mature Ones are sin free and they walk in His presence. They are New Jerusalem, the wife of the Lamb. Their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Lamb’s Book of Life: Spiritually the Lamb’s Book of Life is in our spirit man. You are the Book. References: Lamb’s Book of Life- (Php 4:3) And I make request to you, true helper in my work, to see to the needs of those women who took part with me in the good news, with Clement and the rest of my brother-workers whose names are in the book of life. See alsoRev. 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:212,15, 21:27, 22:19 Volume of the Book-(Psa 40:7) Then I said, Lo, I come, in the volume of the Book it is written of Me;(Heb 10:7) Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God." Book that was written all the days of my life-(Psa 139:16) Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being. Book of Remembrance-(Mal 3:16) Then those fearing Jehovah spoke together, each man to his neighbor. And Jehovah listened and heard. And a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Jehovah, and for those esteeming His name. Living Epistles- (2Co 3:2-3) You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men, it having been made plain that you are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, not having been written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not on tablets of stone, but in fleshly tablets of the heart.(Eph 1:11) in whom also we have been chosen to an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His own will, Practical Application: Your spirit (heart) is your BOOK. Your mouth is your letter opener. What you speak into yourself opens the VOLUMES of the pages of the soul, pages hidden waiting for you to explore. Rooms within a MANSION called the KINGDOM OF GOD. THE HABITATION OF GOD! THE MANSION (John 14:2-3) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. The Father's House, the Expansion of His mansion (you)! THE NEW JERUSALEM - Summary and OT/ Old Covenant References There are three important features of the holy city as seen from Revelation 3:12: 1 - The City is Spiritual: of the spiritual realm, supernatural in origin, not made by man. 2 - The City is Heavenly: of the heavenly realm [Isaiah 66:1], not earthly, James 3:14-18. 3 - The City is Eternal: built to last, everlasting, not temporal. Heb. 11:10; 2 Cor. 5:1-2 More Kingdom Principles of the New Jerusalem: Key Reference to the Old Covenant [Each number is a verse] KEY REFERENCES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCERNING THE HOLY CITY CHAPTER 21 1. Compare to Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22; 2. Compare to Nehemiah 11:1; Isaiah 1:26; 48:2; 52:1; Jeremiah 3:17 3. Compare to Exodus 25:8; Ezekiel 37:27; Genesis 28:15; Exodus 33:14 4. Compare to Isaiah 25:8; 35:10 5. Compare to Isaiah 42:9; 43:19; 48:6; 65:17 6. Compare to Micah 5:2; Ezekiel 47:1; Zechariah 14:8; Isaiah 49:10; 55:1 7. Compare to Exodus 15:1-18 8. Compare to Isaiah 30:33; Tophet - Hebrew meaning " a smiting, i.e. [fig.] of contempt - tabret. (Compare to Daniel 3:1-7; Ezekiel 28) 9. Compare to Jeremiah 33:11; Isaiah 62:5 10. Compare to Ezekiel 40:2 11. Compare to Exodus 24:17; 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11; Psalms 19:1 12. Compare to Ezekiel 48:30-35 13. Compare to Psalms 24:3-4; Isaiah 26:2 14. Compare to Ezra 6:3 15. Compare to Ezekiel 40:5; 40:20 16. Compare to Ezekiel 43:10-12; Exodus 25:8 17. Compare to Genesis 6:16; Exodus 37:1; Deuteronomy 3:11; Isaiah 62:6 18. Compare to Exodus 28:20; 39:13; Ezekiel 28:13 19-20. Compare to 1 Kings 10:2; 2 Chronicles 29:2; Proverbs 17:8; Daniel 11:38 21. Compare to Job 28:18 22. Compare to Genesis 17:1 23. Compare to Isaiah 24:23; 60:1, 19; Psalms 27:1; 84:11; Micah 7:8; Ex. 24:17; 40:34 24. Compare to Psalms 22:27; 86:9; Isaiah 60:3; Daniel 7:14; Hosea 2:23 25. Compare to Isaiah 26:2; Psalms 24:3-4; 91:10; Isaiah 32:18 26. Compare to Isaiah 9:2; 60:1-11 27. Compare to Numbers 14:23, 30; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Isaiah 14:12-22; Genesis 3:24 This is just a brief review of the scriptures on the New Jerusalem. Keep in mind, this is simply a practical, spiritual look at the holy city. Other views concerning the habitation of God will eventually arise, but whatever you hear, stay consistent with the eternal purpose of this city. For the scripture cannot be broken, and God has something in mind bigger than a literal city. For the city is a people. Who is the Bride/the New Jerusalem? (this has been posted before) These are overcomers who have made Jesus both the center of their lives. They have a "single eye" toward Jesus and have taken up their cross. They have submitted themselves, and all that pertains to them, to His Kingdom rule. These are a called out "people within a people" who are being dealt with and qualified to become His Bride. "For many are called but few are chosen " Matt 22:14. Another way to express this verse is, "Many are called but few will pay the price in order to be chosen." Our being chosen is the result of the outworking of the process of qualifying, or overcoming. "To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His Throne." Rev 3:21. Overcoming requires death (death to self). There are 8 promises to overcomers in the book of Revelation. (Rev 12:11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. OVERCOMER- The overcomer; perseverance, endurance. Caleb is the prototype of the overcomer. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent by Moses to investigate the land of Canaan. Ten returned with an evil report, fearful of giants and great walled cities. Along with Joshua, Caleb remained a man of faith. "Caleb" is from the Hebrew "Kaleb" (Strong's #3612) which means "forcible." It is taken from the root "keleb" (Strong's #3611) which means "to yelp, or else to attack; a dog." "Caleb" has also been translated as "bold, fearless, ferocious to enemies, impetuous." God judged Israel for 40 years, and only Caleb and Joshua would live to possess the land. Caleb was 85 years old when he was given Hebron as his inheritance. "Hebron" means "union, united, joined together, brotherhood, community." Jesus Christ is the Overcomer (Jn. 16:33; Rev. 3:21), the Pattern Son who endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). His inheritance is a community of redeemed people made one in Him (Jn. 17). Like Caleb, He has fearlessly entered the promised land within the veil as a Forerunner for us (Heb. 6:19-20). He is our constant Encourager, for He knows that in Him we are well able to go up and take the land (Num. 13:30). There is "another Spirit" with Him (Num. 14:24), even "another Comforter" (Jn. 14:16). Like Caleb, Jesus wholly followed the Father (Josh. 14:14; Jn. 8:29). Believers are to overcome as Jesus overcame (Rev. 3:21; 21:7), boldly entering the holiest by the blood of the Lamb (Heb. 10:19-22; Rev. 12:11; 14:1-5). Some are content with tasting but the firstripe grapes (Num. 13:20), the in-part Feast of Pentecost (Rom. 8:23; Eph. 1:13-14). Many will provoke the Lord by their unbelief, not mixing the Word with faith (Heb. 3:7-4:2). But we have been apprehended to go on to perfection, to full maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 6:1-3). There remains a sabbath rest for the people of God (Heb. 4:9). Like Caleb, our youth shall be renewed like the eagle's (Josh. 14:11; Psa. 103:5). The man that endures to the end shall be saved (Matt. 24:13). OVERCOMERS The word overcomer in the Greek is Nike, Victory- just do it!! John 16:33“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Rev. 12:11“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. I have revised the promises to the Overcomer and listed 12 instead of 8 including some from other books of New Testament. 12 Promises to Overcomers: 1. LIVING IN PEACE (Rom 12:17-21) Repay no one evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as far as is in you, being in peace with all men. not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. "Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him. If he thirsts, give him drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 2. GROWING UP/MATURITY (1Jn 2:13-14) I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father .I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 3. CONQUERING IN EVERY SITUATION (1Jn 4:4) You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 4.SALVATION Revelation 2:7“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’ 5. ETERNAL LIFE Revelation 2:11“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ 6. PROVISION, DESTINY Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’ The overcomers who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion have "His Father's name, His nature" (the same kind of relationship that Jesus had with the Father) in their forehead. (Rev. 14:1-5; 22:4; compare 1 Cor. 1:10)! White Stone: "To Him who overcomes... I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it." JESUS reached into the heart of the Father and brought forth a white stone which decreed us to be innocent through His sacrifice. Upon this stone was a new name (nature) which cannot be known by any man (carnality). 7.NEW REALMS OF AUTHORITY/RECEIVING THE MORNING STAR (Rev 2:25-28) But that which you have, hold fast until I come. And he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations. And he will rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter they will be broken to pieces, even as I received from My Father. And I will give him the Morning Star. Morning Star/Great Star- Christ is the Morning Star/Great Star , Spirit of Christ. Stars are defined in Rev. 1:20 as angels, holy messengers. Christ is the Holy Messenger and Christ in us makes us holy messengers. This is the Morning Star in trumpet 3 Rev. 22:16. He is saying, “ I will give you the revelation of Me that you might overcome the world. 8. RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, FULFILLING DESTINY, GOD AFFIRMING YOU Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 9.IMMOVABLE, NEW NAME, BRIDE OF CHRIST Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Isaiah 62:2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name. The New Name God Gives to Us The Lord gives us a new name--a new identity. Our total identity is wrapped up in our association with Him. As His children, we receive this new name. In walking in the new name, we are confident and strong, knowing who we are in Him. It is about the name that He has given to us (Revelation 3:12). We can choose to walk in our "old name" or walk in the new that God has given. It is a picture of choosing to yield to the old man or the new man created in true righteousness in holiness (Ephesians 4:24). We are partakers of the divine nature through His promises (2 Peter 1:4). Just as Saul received a new name from the Lord, the demons recognized him by his new name, the new divine nature--not the old. This is because Paul walked in the new name and life that God had given to him. 10. A NOW THRONE - a royal position and authority (Matt. 28:19-20). RULING AND REIGNING Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21, KJV To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My THRONE (thronos - place or stately throne seat of authority, with a footstool), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His THRONE. Ephesians 1:20-23, KJV Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,21 FAR ABOVE ALL (rulership) principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:22 And has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all. 11. MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 12. ULTIMATE VICTORY (Dan 7:21-22) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High. And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (1Jn 5:4) For everything that has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. (Rev 12:11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death. (Rev 17:14) These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them. For He is Lord of lords and King of kings. And those with Him are the called and elect and faithful ones. When broken down individually there are 21 promises to overcomers. For The Overcomers in Revelation 2-3 1) Eat from the tree of life in the midst of Paradise (2:7); 2) Receive the crown of life (2:10); 3) Not to be hurt by the second death (2:11); 4) Eat hidden manna (2:17); 5) Receive a white stone (2:17); 6) Receive a new name written on the stone (2:17); 7) Have power over the nations (2:26); 8) Receive the morning star (2:28); 9) Receive white garments (Rev 3:5); 10) Receive a name that’s not blotted from the Book of Life (3:5); 11) For Jesus to confess one’s name before the Father & angels. (3:5); 12) For one’s persecutors to worship before their feet (3:9); 13) For one’s persecutors to know that Jesus loves them (3:9); 14) Be made a pillar in God’s temple (3:12); 15) Have God’s name, the New Jerusalem 16) And Jesus’ new name written on them (3:12); 17) Receive gold to make one rich (3:18); 18) Receive white garments that one’s shame not be revealed (3:18); 19) Have anointed eyes to see more (3:18); 20) Eat with Jesus (3:20) 21) And sit on His Throne. (3:21). All of these we already possess. It is finished!!