The Seven Speeches of the Bible

It is an interesting observation, when we are able to see, that the Bible speaks unto us in seven different ways. I don’t mean in verbal language, as Hebrew, Greek, or Latin; but rather, in Seven rhetorical speeches such as

(1). Symbolism: the study of a thing that is presently known to you. It is the method of taking that thing and its characteristic, to portray a spiritual truth. By this method, there is no need for a lengthy, worded presentation. A picture is worth a thousand words. Therefore, symbolism is a process of making complex things to be understood in a simple way. Example Daniel 7:1-8.

(2). Figurative: the art of using words of a literal speech to teach a secondary meaning. Example (Matthew 8:21-22)

(3). Literal: a statement that simply means what it said. In addition, it is spoken to suggest no other point than that which is spoken. Example (Matthew 5:1; Acts 2:38)

(4). Parables: The greatest method of teaching that Jesus used was Parables. The use of parables is one of the simplest and yet profound way of teaching. By this method the simplest minded or unlearned person who had not yet been exposed to a subject, can immediately grasp an understanding with parables. A parable is a story told to make a point. Example (Matthew 13:3-8; 10-13) 

1. The Sower The preacher

2. The seed The Word

3. The ground The heart

4. The fowls The enemy

5. The sun Trials

6. The weeds Cares of life

7. The fruit Another soul

(5). Allegories: Some Scriptures were used in such incident that happened in history to teach an Allegorical lesson. This is slightly different from a parable, which deals with the law of a thing that does happen. An Allegory deals with a certain event that did happen. Example (Galatians 4:22-24). This Allegory is a well-fixed historical event and deals with the event that happened. However, a parable deals with a well-understood law, it works the same way each time.

(6). Biblical Contrasts: To study Biblical Contrasts, is an effort to look at a subliminal message. (Luke 3:2) Annas and Caiaphas are contrasted with John the Baptist. The subliminal message is this: Inasmuch as Annas and Caiaphas are priests, the Word of God should have been with them. But rather, it came to John in the wilderness (Mal.2:7-8).

(7). Biblical Implications: The term Biblical Implication, is another aspect where the speech of God is silently spoken.

 (Genesis 2:16) Here is the point of Implication: Inasmuch as God said that man can eat of every tree of the garden; however, he restricted him eating from only one tree, which was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But by implication, he wanted man to eat of the tree of life. However, God did not directly tell him to go quickly and take of the tree of life, and live forever! But it is implied.

Can I Baptize Myself?

      Greetings from God our Father who is our Lord Jesus. 

Because of Covid-19 families, homes,  businesses and churches have taking special precautions to keep people safe. These precautions include wear a face cover, wash your hands and keeping a safe distance (social distancing). Because I’m a pastor I can speak with specificity of what churches are doing. We have tried to limit the people in our sanctuaries by utilizing technology through virtual services, more phone calls to members than personal visits, etc.

I have seen some innovative strategies that have been very useful for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I have also witnessed some very disturbing things lately. Although I am conservative in my views of holiness I am not talking about dress code. I am primarily dealing with what we as Oneness Pentecostals believe to be foundational. The doctrine of baptisms. The mode and manner of baptism is as important as the name we use in baptism. With that being noted I would hope to bring to our attention the importance of baptism in Jesus’ name from the perspective of the baptizer. Let’s reason together. Is it biblical for individuals to baptize themselves? Is it ok because we are pastoring in a pandemic? Is this blazing a new trail in the Kingdom? Is this an example of executing baptisms during this season and in the future? Are physically touch-less baptisms biblical? Should we take a page out of the book of this “new” doctrine or should we go the Holy pages of scripture? My brothers and sisters let’s look to the Bible for our doctrine.

In theology there is a law, principle or rule called first mention. It is a guideline that students use for studying the Bible. The law of first mention says that, to understand a particular word or doctrine, we must find the first place in Scripture that word or doctrine is revealed and study that passage. The reasoning is that the Bible’s first mention of a concept is the simplest and clearest presentation; doctrines are then more fully developed on that foundation. So, to fully understand an important and complex theological concept, Bible students are advised to start with its first mention.

The book of Genesis, the book of beginnings, naturally contains many first mentions, including the foundations of these doctrines and concepts: divine omnipotence, creation, paradise, marriage, family, sin, sacrifice, atonement, angels, prayer, judgment, covenant, government, death, burial, etc.

When following the law of first mention, we must be careful to also follow the other rules of hermeneutics. We cannot ignore context, for example the fact that the first mention of a serpent in the Bible in Genesis chapter is associated with Satan doesn’t mean that every mention of a serpent in the Bible should be interpreted as satanic. The serpent on the pole in Numbers 21:9 is a type of Christ, according to John 3:14.

So for the answer to the question, Can I baptize myself? Let’s look in the Bible for the first mention. Now we could do a typological study of the Old Testament and show you the doctrine of baptisms.

(1). The Baptism in Noah's day

(2). The Baptism of Moses 

(3). The Washings of the Law

(4). The Baptism of John the Baptist

(5). The Baptism in Jesus' name

But for the sake of staying on subject let’s discuss the first mention of the word baptism 

John the Baptist, whom God sent to prepare the way of the Lord, preached and administered the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:2-4; Luke 3:3-4). He came baptizing in order to manifest Christ to Israel (John 1:31). His baptism was a transitory one designed to prepare the Jewish people for Christ’s message and Christian baptism.

John baptism is the first mansion of the word “baptism” in the Bible and as the scriptures teaches he administered the baptisms. He was called John the Baptist because he was the baptizer.

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”

(Matthew 3:5-6)

Note the wording in vs 6; “And were baptized of him” the people from Jerusalem, Judaea and the region round about Jordan were baptized by John the Baptist in Jordan.

John the Baptist said he was a baptizer of Water.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”

(Matthew 3:11)

Baptism is so important in the plan of God for salvation that Jesus (who is God); was baptized. If anyone could have baptized themselves it would have been Jesus, but even he submitted to John’s baptism.

Matthew 3:13-16;

(13). Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 

Galilee to Jordan is about a 70 mile walk. That’s how important baptism is to God.

(14). But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 

John the Baptist felt his unworthiness in presence of God in Christ Jesus.

(15). And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 

Jesus said in order to fulfill all righteousness he needed John the Baptist the baptize him.

(16). And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

This verse of Scripture is of the upmost importance. The Bible says “when he was baptized” all through the Bible baptism is always described as “being baptized”; that is, someone does it to you. You need to have someone to be the baptizer. 

If this is the first mention. It is the guideline for all baptisms in the Bible and if we are Bible believers we should go by the Word of God.

The Bible is the scripture (script-ure), God’s script. When a playwright creates a script, it gives instructions for all involved. It tells each person who they are, what to say, where to be, what to do, and how to do it. God gave us His Word and it is the script. He works according to his script. He will not deviate from His written plan.

Baptism of & by the Disciples:

During Christ’s early ministry, he baptized his disciples and his disciples baptized many converts upon his authority. 

“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)”

(John 4:1-2)

It should be noted that God’s has a pattern of consistency throughout the scriptures, both Old Testament and New Testament. The law of first mention is followed by a pattern of consistency. In John 4:1-2 Jesus was the baptizer of his disciples and after he baptized them, they baptized others.

The  Great Commission:

Matthew 28:18-20;

(18). And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

(19). Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

This is a commandment from our Lord to Teach and baptize nations. Just as one can not teach himself, they can not baptize themselves ether.

(20). Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16;

(15). And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

(16). He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

I would like to magnify three words in verse 16, 

“and is baptized” the very wording points one to the understanding of having someone else administer baptism not doing it yourself.

Burial with Christ:

Paul taught that baptism was a burial with Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). The old man is buried at baptism. The old man is the unregenerate lifestyle, the record of past sins, and the dominion of sin. After baptism, we never have to face the record of our past sins again. Have you ever seen a dead man or woman bury themselves? Absolutely not.

Baptism into Christ:

Paul also taught that we are baptized into Christ: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

The definition of “baptized”  is to administer baptism. 

According to the Apostle Paul when we had someone baptized us in water in Jesus’ name and God baptized us with the Holy Spirit we put on Christ.

In my conclusion let us stay with the Word of God and not forget the teachers of our fathers in the faith. 

My dear beloved brother/sister upon the confession of your faith concerning the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the confidence that we have in the blessed word of God I now baptize you in the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive The gift of the Holy Ghost. In the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST...... Amen.

Bryant A. Murphy

Justification, Sanctification and Glorification

Justification:

The methods of justification

(1). Justification by Faith (Rom.3:28)

Justification by faith is directed to Jesus Christ alone.

(2). Justification by Grace (Rom.3:24)

Grace is the independent act that gives a person a gift without any one meriting. This means that God gives it without earnings. It is the gift of God. It is not given because of faith but it is given through faith. Faith becomes the channel through which grace is given.

(3). Justification by Blood (Rom.5:9)

This is where all justifications are based. For without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. (Heb. 9:22)

(4). Justification by Works (James 1:19-27)

No person is saved practicing sin. 

Justification by works is for a saved person. Not so he/she may become saved; but because they are saved.

Justification is the act by which God declares the sinner to be righteous. The sinner does not actually become righteous within himself at this point, but God counts, reckons, or considers him as righteous, without regarding his/her past sins. Justification is a legal term denoting a change of standing in the sight of God.

From Romans 5:12-19 one may see the requirements and methods of Justification by using two like circumstances.

One-man sinned and all descendants of man became sinners. The balance or justification is that one man lived righteously and all became righteous. In Adam all dies and in Christ all live.

1 Cor. 15:21-22;

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

When the sacrifices under the law were offered up but they weren't able to pay the penalty of sin. Those sacrifices were the life of animals. Animals are not the same equate of mankind. (Heb. 9:12; 10:1; Matt. 6:26)

Therefore Justification requires the exact opposite in order to be balanced. It takes a positive to reverse a negative. When this is done there is no imbalance but rather, Justification. When justification occurs there is no negative remainder.

Thus it is when God Justifies man there is no condemnation. There are no leftover sins. In the consequence of that is; there is no death to the justified. His sins are forgiven. There is no wrong doing of the justifier for the penalty of sin is paid.

Justification consists of two elements: 

(1) God forgives the sinner, removing the guilt and penalty associated with his sins (Romans 4:6-8; 8:1).

(2) God imputes (transfers) the righteousness of Christ to the sinner, so that he can partake of everything the sinless Christ is entitled to receive because of His righteousness (2Corinthians 5:20-21).

Justification originates in God’s grace, having been purchased for us by the blood of Christ:

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood” (Romans 3:24-25)

It comes only through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law: 

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28)

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5)

God’s grace is the source of justification, the blood of Jesus Christ is the ground of justification, and faith is the condition upon which we receive justification.

“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans‬ ‭4:24-25)

Since justification comes through faith, it occurs when a person fully believes and obeys the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul said to the corinthian church..

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:11‬)

At repentance, man and God begin to form a personal relationship, which lays a foundation for water and Spirit baptism. At water baptism, God remits sin (Acts 2:38), which corresponds to the first element of justification (God forgives the sinner, removing the guilt and penalty associated with his sins).

The Holy Spirit imparts the righteousness of Christ, for the Spirit is Christ in us: “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4); which is the second element of justification (God imputes (transfers) the righteousness of Christ to the sinner).

The summary for Justification was given to us by Bishop Karl F. Smith, the founder of the educational arm of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Aenon Bible College. 

Bishop Karl F. Smith said Justification is “just as if you have never sinned”. 

What a powerful act by God and he is able to justify you!

Sanctification:

Ephesians 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 a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Sanctification basically equivalent to holiness, which means separation from sin and consecration to God. Sanctification is the process of becoming righteous actually becoming like Christ. As we have studied 

“Justification is the act by which God declares the sinner to be righteous. The sinner does not actually become righteous within himself at this point, but God counts, reckons, or considers him as righteous, without regarding his past sins.”

But sanctification is actually becoming what God declared. When a person is saved God sets them apart from sin but this is only the beginning of the process. God continues to work in us to perfect us and make us holy. The Bible teaches that we can attain maturity and perfection in this life (II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Ephesians 4:11-15; II Peter 3:18). This is not absolute sinless perfection as exemplified by Jesus Christ but a relative perfection, because the sin nature (the possibility to sin) reside within. Sanctification is the process to perfection. We can only be perfected by the Word of God. God wants His church to be a separated body from the world, and from false religious systems. No one has the right to be fellowshipped into the body but those that have been taught and accepts the fundamental doctrines of salvation.

God in the person of Jesus Christ has given us a goal in this saved life..

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭5:48‬)

It is possible to be perfect in this life 

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:1‬)

To be perfect is possible but perfection will only take place for the child of God in the rapture. Nevertheless we are to go on onto perfection.

Glorification:

Glorification is the ultimate work of sanctification.

The subject of glorification is in its simplest form the Rapture of the Church.

It should be noted that the coming of the Lord is in two parts. Firstly the coming of the Lord for his church called the appearing of Jesus or the rapture. Secondarily the coming of the Lord with his church called the Second Coming.

Let’s look into the Word of God for an understanding of the Rapture.

Titus 2:11-14;

(11). For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

(12). Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

(13). Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

(14). Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The glory of the rapture is that the saints are going to have a different kind of body.

Let’s look at some scriptures...

*Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:35-58: The body that you put in the grave is not the body that is coming out. In our bodies is a seed or the soul. What you plant in the ground will not come up it will die but the seed will rise again. So it is with the body, it will go to the grave and at the rapture the seed or soul will rise again. But it won't look like what you plated. God will give your soul a body. To every seed or soul it's own "New Body." When or if we go into the grave we are seeds. 

*Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:1-9: The earthly house or tabernacle is the body. It will be dissolved but we have a building of God or a house not of the earthly but of heaven. In our bodies we groan and desiring to be clothed with our heavenly bodies.

*Commentary on Hebrews 2:14: When God came as a man He put on a body like ours. But when we go in the Rapture we will put on a body like His! 

*Commentary on Philippians 3:20-21: God will change our vile body that it my be fashioned "like unto" His glorious body. We shall be changed or put off this old body and put on the house from Heaven. 

From the scripture in Philippians 3:20-21 our bodies will be like the glorified body of Jesus Christ after his resurrection from the dead. So let's examine the glorified body of our Lord. 

Jesus Appeared (Mark 16:9)

Jesus Appeared in another form (Mark16:12) 

Jesus Vanished (Luke 24:31)

Jesus came in a room with the doors were shut. (John 20:19).

I’m looking for this event to take place any day now. This is our blessed hope. One day the troubles of this life will be over and heaven will be our home. 

In 1898 the hymnologist Eliza Hewitt wrote 

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

sing his mercy and his grace;

in the mansions bright and blessed

he'll prepare for us a place

When we all get to heaven,

what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus

we'll sing and shout the victory.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway

clouds will overspread the sky,

but when traveling days are over,

not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,

trusting, serving every day;

just one glimpse of Him in glory

will the toils of life repay

When we all get to heaven,

what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus

we'll sing and shout the victory.

 

Dispensationalism

What makes a person a dispensationalist?

Some have consciously or unconsciously supposed that dispensationalism is only an outline or a chart of the events of the future. Although this is true, dispensationalism is a theology made up from a system of literal interpretation. What we see on a Biblical chart should be the result of inductive exegesis including its eschatology.

What makes a person a dispensationalist?

(1). A dispensationalist keeps Israel and the church distinct.

A dispensationalist believes that throughout mans day God is pursuing two distinct purposes: one related to the earth with the earthly seed and earthly objectives involved which is Israel; while the other is related to heaven with the heavenly seed and heavenly objectives involved, which is the Church. 

(2). The distinction between Israel and the church comes out of a system of hermeneutics that is usually called literal interpretation. Therefore, the second aspect of identifying a dispensationalist is the matter of historical-grammatical hermeneutics. 

(3). The purpose of God in all His dealings with mankind is that of glorifying Himself through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is God of all.

This is the foundation for true dispensationalism without this everything else crumbles.

Sabbatarianism

Does the Bible teach the seventh-day Sabbath as a moral law meant for all people? Is Sunday the new Sabbath for Christianity? There are numerous doctrines concerning Sabbath keeping that are held by Christianity today. These views differ on how one understands the Law of the Old Testament and it's fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word  shabbath, which means to rest, sever, desist, come to an end or intermission. It is very fascinating to know that this word is never translated seventh or seventh day. In the Old Testament an individual not keeping the Sabbath was put to death (Exodus 12-18; 35:2). A man was stoned to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). Israel was commanded not to kindle a fire on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:3). Every seventh year was to be a sabbatical year when Israel did not plant any crops; it was the Sabbath of the land (Exodus 23:10-11; Leviticus 25:1-55). Israel was to observe the year of jubilee. No crops were to be planted on the forty-ninth or fiftieth year in the land of Israel. The Israelites were restricted from traveling more than 3,000 to 3,600 feet on the Sabbath this is what a Sabbath day’s journey means (Acts 1:12).

When Jesus came he plucked grain on the Sabbath, thus breaking the Sabbath traditions according to the Jews of His day (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-10). Jesus healed on the Sabbath, again making the Jews upset, who accused Him of being a Sabbath breaker (Luke 13:10-17; John 5:1-18). Jesus ate with a chief Pharisee on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1).

"For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:8)

Not once did Jesus (The Lord of the Sabbath) indicate or tell anyone to observe a certain day for a Sabbath. If Jesus intended for us to keep the Sabbath in the New Testament, why did He not mention it along with the other requirements to the rich young ruler? (Matthew 19:16-22).

Let it be known I do not believe that God switched the sabbath or the seventh day to the first day of the week or Sunday. However I do believe that the first century believers met on the first day of the week to commemorate the resurrection and Pentecost. Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). The disciples met together on this day (John 20:19-26). Paul’s followers met on the first day of the week to hear him preach (Acts 20:7). The Corinthian church collected and set aside offerings on this day (I Cor. 16:1-2). According to the "Popular and Critical Bible Encyclopedia"  and "Zondervan’s Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible", the Day of Pentecost was on the first day of the week (Acts 2:1-4).

Let's look at a few of the so-called proof texts of Sabbatarianism 

Exodus 20:8-11;

(8). Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

(9). Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

(10). But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

(11). For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

According to Sabbatarianism because the sabbath-day keeping is in the ten commandments it is a moral law for all people. Therefore because the Christian church worships on Sunday they are in violation of the law of God. But what they failed to realize is that this was not Israels sabbath commandment. Go with me to Exodus the 16th chapter and verse 29.

"See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." (Ex.16:29)

According to Biblical chronology the text in the 16th chapter is about four weeks or one month before God gave Moses the 10 Commandments. So what is Exodus 20:8-11 all about?

Exodus 20:8-11;

(8). Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

We are to remember that there is a day coming that has to be kept Holy and the only way to keep the coming day (7th day of creation) Holy is to keep this day (6th or mans day) Holy. 

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)

(9). Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

(10). But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

This is not Israels sabbath but the sabbath of the Lord thy God the Seventh Day of creation. 

(11). For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

So as you can see the weekly Sabbath of Israel was only given to them and was a type of the Seventh Day of creation that is to come The Lords Sabbath. According to the Bible we are not bound to a weekly Sabbath. The Church of God has found its rest (Sabbath) in Christ through the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 28:9-12; Acts 2:1-4, 38). We are keeping this Day Holy so that when the Seventh Day comes we can keep it Holy just like God said.

Notes on Heaven....

                        HEAVEN

*At Death* 

Man is a trichotomy (1Thess. 5:23)

Body: Goes back to the dust (Gen. 3:19; Job 4:18-19; Eccles. 12:7; 2Cor. 5:1)

Spirit: Returns back to God (Eccles. 12:7; Zechariah 12:1)

Soul: Of the save goes to sleep until the Rapture. Of the unsaved and rightness until the 2nd resurrection. (Ps. 17:15; 30:3; Job 33:22; Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27; 13:36).  

Since no one is in Heaven as of yet we must deal with the subject of Heaven in this perspective........ What will Heaven be like after the Rapture, Tribulation, 2nd Coming, & the Millennial Reign of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10;

(9). But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

(10). But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

"But as it is written" = in the Old Testament (Isa. 64:4)

"The beginning of the world" = (Acts 3:21) the world began in Adam.

John 14:1-6;

(1). Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

(2). 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. 

(3). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

(4). And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

(5). Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 

(6). Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Revelation 22:1-6;

(1). And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 

(2). In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

(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 giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 

(6). And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

*The Third Heaven* (1 Thess. 4:1)

*The New Heavens and New Earth will be established during the Seventh Day of God's Creative Week and they will remain forever *

(Isa. 66:22; Rev. 22:1)

The New Heavens and New Earth (Isa.65:17; 2Pet.3:7, 10-14; Revelation 21:1-7)

At the end of the Millennium rain, the earth will have completed a time cycle of forty-two thousand years. This will be the end of the sixth day of creation. There are seven creative days in God's creative week. The Seventh Day is called, "God's day of Rest". 

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:1-3)

God will bring in the seventh day by making all things new. 

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying." (Isaiah 65:17-19)

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:5)

He will make a New Earth and New Heavens that will be filled with righteousness 

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13)

"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. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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 shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:1-5)

This is God's day of rest for him and his people (Gen.2:2; Heb.4:9)

David shall be king over the New Earth this will be his reward. Because David is apart of the Church our reward will be the same as his. The Church will be in the havens ruling and reigning as kings just as David will on the New Earth. We will be kings but JESUS is the King of kings.

"And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people."(Ezekiel 37:24, 27)

"And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd." (Ezekiel 34:23)

"But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them." (Jeremiah 30:9)

"I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven." (Psalms 89:20, 29)

"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:" (Amos 9:11)

When the New Heavens and the New Earth appear we will have entered into God's heavenly kingdom in its fullness. 

"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."  (Revelation 21:24)

Those of God's Heavenly Kingdom, the church shall reign not only on the earth (During the millennium) but when the Earth and Heavens are made New we shall reign on the other planets that will be planted with seed from the New Earth in that day. The Bible uses "world and "heavens" for planets.

"And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people." (Isaiah 51:16) 

Enoch was the seventh from Adam. (Jude14) He was the type of the seventh day of creation. At 365 years of age He was translated. So those on the New Earth when they reach 365 years of age will be translated and planted on the other planets that God will then have made habitable by His fire of purification. They will live forever there and multiply and fill those planets and we of the heavenly kingdom (Church) will rule over them even as David will rule on the New Earth. This will complete God's family 

"That in the dispensation of the fulness 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:" (Ephesians 1:10)

"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)

by Bryant A. Murphy

Pastor of Christ Temple Holiness Church of the Apostolic Faith.

The Baptism of Christ

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). 

According to this passage, the Son of God was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice spoke from heaven. Luke 3:22 adds the further information that “the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him.” 

To understand this scene, we must remember that God is omnipresent. Jesus is God and was God manifested in flesh while on earth (1Tim.3:16). He could not and did not sacrifice His omnipresence while on earth because that is one of God’s basic attributes, and God does not change. Of course, the physical body of Jesus was not omnipresent, but His Spirit was. Furthermore, although the fullness of God was resident in the body of Jesus, the omnipresent Spirit of Jesus could not be so confined. Thus, Jesus could be on earth and in heaven at the same time (John 3:13) and with two or three of His disciples at any time (Matthew 18:20). With the omnipresence of God in mind we can understand the baptism of Christ very easily.

The voice and the dove do not represent different persons any more than the voice of God from Sinai indicates that the mountain was a second intelligent person in the Godhead. Since the voice and the dove were symbolic manifestations of the one omnipresent God, we may ask what they represented. What was their purpose? 

*The purpose of Jesus’ baptism*

Jesus was not baptized for remission of sin as we are, because He was sinless (I Peter 2:22). The Bible says He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). He is our example and He was baptized to leave us an example to follow (I Peter 2:21). Moreover, Jesus was baptized as a means of manifesting Himself, or making Himself known, to Israel (John 1:26-27, 31). In other words, Jesus used the baptism as the starting point in His ministry. It was a public declaration of who He was and what He came to do. For example, at Christ’s baptism, John the Baptist learned who Jesus was. He did not know that Jesus really was the Messiah until the baptism, and after the baptism he was able to declare to the people that Jesus was the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29-34).  

The Scriptures speak of Jesus as being "firstborn among many brethren" that is He was the first to set the example of the new birth. He was baptized immersed in water we should be baptized immersed in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He received a visible manifestation of the Holy Ghost we should receive the visible manifestation of the Holy Ghost which is speaking with other tongues.

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Rom. 8:29)

Having established the purposes of Christ’s baptism, let us see how the dove and voice furthered those purposes.  

John 1:32-34 clearly states that the dove was a sign for the benefit of John the Baptist. Since John was the forerunner of Jehovah (Isaiah 40:3), he needed to know that Jesus was really Jehovah come in flesh. God told John that the One who would  baptize with the Holy Ghost would be identified by the Spirit descending upon Him. 

"And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:33)

Of course, John was incapable of seeing the Spirit of God anointing Christ, so God chose a dove as the visible sign of His Spirit. Thus the dove was a special sign for John to let him know that Jesus was Jehovah and the Messiah. 

The dove also was a type of anointing to signify the beginning of Christ’s ministry. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil to indicate that God had chosen them (Exodus 28:41; I  Kings 19:16). Priests in particular were both washed in water and anointed with oil (Exodus 29:4, 7). The oil symbolized God’s Spirit. The Old Testament foretold that Jesus would be similarly anointed (Psalm 2:2; 45:7; Isaiah 61:1). In fact, the Hebrew word  Messiah (Christ  in Greek) means “the Anointed One.” Jesus came to fulfill the roles of  sacrifice, prophet, priest, and king (Acts 3:20-23; Hebrews 3:1; Revelation 1:5). He also came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17-18), and to keep His own law He needed to be anointed as prophet, priest, and king. Since Jesus was God Himself and a sinless man, an anointing by a sinful human and anointing with symbolic oil was not enough. Instead, Jesus was anointed directly by the Spirit of God. Thus, at His baptism in water, Jesus was officially anointed for the beginning of His earthly ministry, not by symbolic oil but by the Spirit of God in the form of a dove. For at this time all the fullness of God it was in that body no one else at the anointing. 

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Col. 2:9)

The voice came from heaven for the benefit of the people. John 12:28-30 records a similar incident in which a voice came from heaven and confirmed the deity of Jesus to the people. Jesus said it came not for  His benefit but for the people’s sake. The voice was God’s way of formally introducing Jesus to Israel as the Son of God. Many people were present at the baptism of Jesus and many were being baptized (Luke 3:21), so the Spirit singled out the man Jesus and identified Him to all as the Son of God by a miraculous voice from heaven. This was much more effective and convincing than an announcement coming from Jesus as a man. In fact, it appears that this miraculous manifestation effectively accomplished Jesus’ purpose at His baptism. The baptism of Jesus does not teach us that God is three persons but only reveals the omnipresence of God and the humanity of the Son of God. When God speaks to four different people on four different continents at the same time, we do not think of four persons of God but of God’s omnipresence. God did not intend for the baptism to reveal to the monotheistic Jewish onlookers a radically new revelation of a plurality in the Godhead, and there is no indication that the Jews interpreted it as such. Even many modern scholars do not see the baptism of Christ as an indication of a trinity but as a reference to “the authoritative anointing of Jesus as the Messiah.”

The Voice from Heaven 

Three times in the life of Jesus a voice came from heaven: at His baptism, at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), and after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:20-33). We  have just explained that a voice does not indicate a distinct person in the Godhead but only another manifestation of the omnipresent Spirit of God. In each of the three cases, the voice was not for the benefit of Jesus but for the benefit of others, and it came for a specific purpose. As we have discussed, the voice at Christ’s baptism was part of the inauguration of His earthly ministry.  It was for the people’s sake, just as the dove was for John’s sake. The voice introduced Jesus as the Son of God: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The voice at the Transfiguration unquestionably was for the benefit of the onlooking disciples, for the message was, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). The third manifestation of the voice occurred when a group of Greeks (apparently Gentile proselytes) came to see Jesus. Jesus explained that the voice was not for Him but for the people (John 12:30).

It is important to note that this was a voice "from" heaven not a voice "in" heaven. That voice spoke out of the body of the Christ and said this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased it is important also notes that God was announcing that he was pleased to dwell in that body! The Father was IN the Son (2Cor. 5:19; John 14:11; Col. 1:19)