Secular Progressives

The nature of religious humanism and the relationship between humanism and religion is of profound importance for humanists of all types. According to some secular humanists, religious humanism is a contradiction in terms. According to some religious humanists, all humanism is religious — even secular humanism, in its own way. Who is right?

http://atheism.about.com/od/abouthumanism/a/religiousecular.htm 2/9/2007 12:41 PM.

The answer to that question depends entirely upon how one defines the key terms. Many secular humanists use essentialist definitions of religion; this means that they identify some basic belief or attitude as comprising the “essence” of religion. Everything that has this attribute is religion, and everything that doesn’t cannot possibly be a religion.

The most commonly cited “essence” of religion involves supernatural beliefs, whether supernatural beings, supernatural powers, or simply supernatural realms.

Because they also define humanism as fundamentally naturalistic, the conclusion follows that humanism itself cannot be religious — it would be a contradiction for a naturalistic philosophy to include the belief supernatural beings.

Under this conception of religion, religious humanism could be thought of as existing in the context of religious believers, like Christians, who incorporate some humanist principles into their world view. It might be better, however, to describe this situation as a humanistic religion (where a pre-existing religion is influenced by humanist philosophy) than as a religious humanism (where humanism is influenced to be religious in nature).

As useful as essentialist definitions of religion are, they are nevertheless very limited and fail to acknowledge the breadth of what religion involves for actual human beings, both in their own lives and in their dealings with others. In effect, essentialist definitions tend to be “idealized” descriptions which are handy in philosophical texts, but have limited applicability in real life.

Perhaps because of this, religious humanists tend to opt for functional definitions of religion, which means that they identify what appears to be the purpose of function of religion (usually in a psychological and/or sociological sense) and use that to describe what religion “really” is.

Humanism as a Functional Religion

The functions of religion often used by religious humanists include things like fulfilling the social needs of a group of people and satisfying personal quests to discover meaning and purpose in life. Because their humanism constitutes both the social and personal context in which they seek to reach such goals, they quite naturally and reasonably conclude that their humanism is religious in nature — hence, religious humanism.

Unfortunately, functional definitions of religion are not much better than essentialist definitions. As is pointed out so often by critics, functional definitions are often so vague that they might apply to absolutely any belief system or shared cultural practices. It simply will not work if “religion” comes to be applied to just about everything, because then it won’t really be useful for describing anything.

So, who is right — is the definition of religion broad enough to allow for religious humanism, or is this actually just a contradiction in terms? The problem here lies in the assumption that our definition of religion must be either essentialist or functional.

By insisting on one or the other, the positions become unnecessarily polarized. Some religious humanists assume that all humanism is religious (from a functional perspective) while some secular humanists assume that no humanism can be religious in nature (from an essentialist perspective).

I wish I could offer a simple solution, but I cannot — religion itself is much too complex of a subject to lend itself to a simple definition that might produce a resolution here. When simplistic definitions are attempted, we only end up in the morass of disagreement and misunderstanding that we witness above.

All I can offer is the observation that, very often, religion is defined in a highly personal and subjective manner. There are objectively discernible qualities which are common to religions and which we can describe, but in the end, which of those qualities take precedence will vary from system to system and from person to person.

Because of that, we must allow that what we describe as the basis and essence of our religion cannot necessarily comprise the basis and essence of another’s religion — thus, a Christian cannot define “religion” for a Buddhist or a Unitarian. For the exact same reason, those of us who have no religion also cannot insist that one thing or another must necessarily comprise the basis and essence of a religion — thus, secular humanists cannot define “religion” for a Christian or a Religious Humanist. At the same time, though, religious humanists also cannot “define” secular humanism as a religion for others.

If humanism is religious in nature for someone, then that is their religion. We can question whether they are defining things coherently. We can challenge whether their belief system can be adequately described by such terminology. We can critique the specifics of their beliefs and whether they are rational. What we cannot readily do, however, is assert that, whatever they might believe, they cannot really be religious and humanists.

Christian Reactions to Secular Progressives 2007: Bill O'Reilly has revealed to the nation that secular progressives have a 'very secret plan' to 'diminish Christian philosophy in the U.S.A.' It's clear that he isn't clever enough to have connected the dots and figured this out on his own, so someone must have talked. We have a traitor in our midst who must be found and dealt with immediately!

O’Reilly said these three elements operate “in tandem”: O’REILLY: [Y]ou use your left-wing smear websites to go after anybody who stands up for Christmas. If you stand up for Christmas, they come after you. So the tandem intimidates. The tandem intimidates. Suing on one hand; smearing on the other hand.

http://atheism.about.com/od/abouthumanism/a/religiousecular_2.htm 2/9/2007 12:42 PM.

The result? According to O’Reilly: O’REILLY: In every secular progressive country, they’ve wiped out religion ... Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, all of them. That’s the first step. Get the religion out of there, so that we can impose our big-government, progressive agenda.

http://atheism.about.com/b/a/227262.htm 2/9/2007 11:10 AM.


It appears that O’Reilly has been provided very detailed information about the future secular take-over of America. He may even know about the secret re-education facilities we are building for Christians and the black helicopters that are being used to keep an eye on people like O’Reilly himself. I warned headquarters that we needed to have a monitoring device implanted in O’Reilly’s butt, but they said that he was too looney for anyone to ever take seriously. Sadly, it looks like my concerns are being proven true. We’ll have to act quickly in order to stop the damage from spreading too far.

And if you happen to be reading this without authorization, please remain calm and stay where you are — some nice men in black suits will be along shortly to take care of you.

Humanist Metaphysics: Humanism, Nature, and the Supernatural?

What sort of metaphysical beliefs do humanists have? Humanists don't really have a metaphysical outlook because humanists don't normally accept the existence of anything which isn't a part of nature (or, if they do, they don't believe that it is 'more real' than our own existence). Humanists are essentially naturalists, explaining the nature of reality in naturalistic and materialistic terms. It is, though, worth examining how humanists address claims about the existence of non-natural beings. As a general principle, humanists are not particularly concerned with anything that might qualify as “the supernatural.” Most humanists reject the existence of the supernatural entirely, but there is nothing self-contradictory about a person who is both a humanist and who believes in something that might qualify as supernatural. What is a problem for humanism is not so much belief in something that is supernatural but the reliance upon the supernatural as an explanatory mechanism for the universe, for life, for existence, for humanity, for morality, etc. Such a reliance is rather common in human cultures generally and human religions specifically; the rejection of the supernatural as a means to explain anything, on the other hand, is an important characteristic of humanism. One of the Affirmations of Humanism is:

”We deplore efforts to denigrate human intelligence, to seek to explain the world in supernatural terms, and to look outside nature for salvation.”


Study Questions:

Q: why do so many promote their beliefs using safe theological language?
A: they want to seduce American youth who in large numbers believe in a God of some kind.
A: Secular Humanists are atheists. They do not believe in the existence of a supernatural Supreme Being.
A: Christianity however believes in One personal/supreme God who is Creator & Lord of everything that exists. He eternally exists as Triune God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Gen. 1; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19.

Q: who is the founder of this world view?
A: Founder: While Secular Humanism has no authoritative key figures in history, there have been several influential Humanists. Examples of influential Humanists are such people as: John Dewey, Bertrand Russell, Joseph Fletcher, Margaret Sanger, and Stephen Jay Gould.

Q: what do they use for authority in their lives?
A: Humanists reject supernatural beliefs and doctrines. There are no holy writings in Secular Humanism.

Q: where do they believe we all came from?
A: Humanity: Man is a part of nature. Humanity controls its own destiny since there is no God.

Q: what "ethical system" do secular progressives follow?
A: Ethics is autonomous and situational, needing no supernatural sanction.
A: Humanists believe that many of humanity's problems are caused by ignorance, lack of education, and outdated beliefs in the supernatural.
A: Many Humanists believe that the human condition can be improved by using science and its methods of criticism to understand the universe.

Q: what do they believe happens to all men when they die?
A: Secular Humanists believe that there is no life after death. They deny that there is a soul or spirit that survives death.

Q: as more and more of our society become energized by this system why do we see such a rise in angry, bitter, violent behavior?
A: they turn to Darwin and Freud just as Hitler and other secular progressive leaders have done in the past.

Q: as we see more and more people sharing opinions in the blogs today how can we spot members of this group?
A: they want to limit free speech by using threats to try and silence people who disagree with them. Get a copy of Hitler's founding book as it illustrates how to grow and train a group of "brown shirts" that go around and violently silence all who would disagree. At first they used legal methods. After they had no success we see them using riots and violence. Is it dangerous for a country to loose its freedom?
Study Germany's history because so youth in America today are falling into those same old traps.

Problems:

1. The claim that all morals & values are relative is first of all self-contradictory, because it is stated as an absolute. There is also the problem of the inability of man to live consistently with it. All men including humanists hold for absolute values. Will the secular humanist admit that there is nothing necessarily (or absolutely) wrong with rape and murder of a three year old girl? Also be aware of the biblical problem with conflicting moral values and with the best answers available.

2. To the humanist there is no ultimate meaning to life. Yet no one lives in harmony with this view. The humanist is forced to live as if his life matters, thus belying his own belief. We can be sure that the humanist will not hesitate to point out where the Christian is inconsistent with his/her faith!
3. In view of the plausibility of the existence of God, it becomes difficult to see why such energy is expended trying to deny Him. It is often possible to show that the secular humanist is more interested in autonomy in the moral area than in discovering truth.

Help in 2008

Ben Stein's Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed DVD

ww.expelledthemovie.com 8/15/2008 8:32 AM

Jewish Identity Using DNA

Human Genetics Program
550 First Avenue, Room MSB136
New York, NY 10016
Telephone: 212-263-5746
Fax: 212-263-7590
© 2000 New York University

http://www.med.nyu.edu/genetics/research/jewish_origins.html
18/2005

Genetic Analysis of Jewish Origins


New York University School of Medicine
Dr. Harry Ostrer and Dr Michael Hammer

Did you ever wonder if 2000 years of recorded history could be preserved in the genetic record? Recent work from genetics labs has validated the Biblical record of a Semitic people who chose a Jewish way of life several thousand years ago.

These observations are the biological equivalent to the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls, suggesting that despite 2000 years of Diaspora, the relatedness of the Jews of Eastern European ("Ashkenazi"), North African ("Sephardic") and Middle Eastern ("Oriental") origin can be demonstrated by genetic marker analysis.

Background: Cohanim DNA Connection

In the course of conducting research in this area, a few surprises have been found. The existence of a priestly line of males ("Kohanim") is shown as a distinctive set of genetic markers on the father-to-son transmitted Y chromosome. Limited variation of these markers among Kohanim males is compatible with a 3300-year-old origin in a single male or group of related males, possibly from the family of Aaron. These Y-chromosome genetic markers can even be found among the Lemba, a South African tribal group claiming patrilineal kinship with the Jews of Yemen.

As judged by the shared mutations for certain genetic diseases, including Gaucher disease, Connexin 26-based deafness and familial Mediterranean fever, considerable historical contact can be demonstrated between Ashkenazi Jews and the Christians of Spain, Italy and other Mediterranean countries. The legacy of the Spanish Inquisition can be found in Latin American populations. Mutations of Jewish origin for the rare genetic conditions of Laron dwarfism and Bloom syndrome have been found among Christian peoples residing in remote communities in Latin America.

The next step in Jewish genetic demography will be to understand the patterns of Jewish migration that formed the historical communities. Clearly most of these communities no longer exist, but their genetic structure can be discerned by studying the DNA of their descendants. In genetic terms, this will mean studying the DNA of the male-specific Y chromosome to understand the father's father's ("patrilineal") line and the DNA of the mitochondria to understand the mother's mother's ("matrilineal") line.

Cohanim DNA Connection
The fascinating story of how DNA
studies confirm an ancient biblical tradition

http://www.aish.com/societywork/sciencenature/the_cohanim_-_dna_connection.asp 1/24/2006

Dr. Karl Skorecki, a Cohen of Eastern European parents, was attending synagogue one morning. The Cohen called up for the Torah reading that morning was a Jew of Sephardic background, whose parents were born in North Africa.Dr. Skorecki looked at the Sephardi Cohen's physical features and considered his own physical features.They were significantly different in stature, skin coloration and hair and eye color. Yet both had a tradition of being Cohanim, direct descendants of one man -- Aaron, the brother of Moses.


Cohanim (plural of Cohen) are the priestly family of the Jewish people, members of the Tribe of Levi.The books of Exodus and Leviticus describe the responsibilities of the Cohanim, which include the Temple service and blessing of the people. The Torah (the first five books of the Bible) describes the anointing of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as the first High Priest (Cohen Gadol).

Jewish tradition, based on the Torah, is that all Cohanim are direct descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses. The Cohen line is patrilineal -- passed from father to son without interruption for 3,300 years, or more than 100 generations.
Dr. Skorecki considered, "According to tradition, this Sephardi Cohen and I have a common ancestor. Could this line have been maintained since Sinai, and throughout the long exile of the Jewish people?" As a scientist, he wondered, could such a claim be tested?

Being a nephrologist and a top-level researcher at the University of Toronto and the Rambam-Technion Medical Center in Haifa, he was involved in the breakthroughs in molecular genetics which are revolutionizing medicine and the study of the life-sciences. He was also aware of the newly developing application of DNA analysis to the study of history and population diversity.

Dr. Skorecki considered a hypothesis: if the Cohanim are descendants of one man, they should have a common set of genetic markers -- a common haplotype -- that of their common ancestor. In our case, Aaron HaCohen.

In a second study, Dr. Skorecki and associates gathered more DNA samples and expanded their selection of Y chromosome markers. Solidifying their hypothesis of the Cohens' common ancestor, they found that a particular array of six chromosomal markers was found in 97 of the 106 Cohens tested. This collection of markers has come to be known as the Cohen Modal Hapoltype (CMH) -- the standard genetic signature of the Jewish priestly family. The chances of these findings happening at random is greater than one in 10,000.

The finding of a common set of genetic markers in both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Cohanim worldwide clearly indicates an origin pre-dating the separate development of the two communities around 1000 CE. Date calculation based on the variation of the mutations among Cohanim today yields a time frame of 106 generations from the ancestral founder of the line, some 3,300 years -- the approximate time of the Exodus from Egypt, the lifetime of Aaron HaCohen.

Professor Hammer was recently in Israel for the Jewish Genome Conference. He confirmed that his findings are consistent -- over 80 percent of self-identified Cohanim have a common set of markers.

The finding that less than one-third of the non-Cohen Jews who were tested possess these markers is not surprising to the geneticists. Jewishness is not defined genetically. Other Y-chromosomes can enter the Jewish gene pool through conversion or through a non-Jewish father. Jewish status is determined by the mother. Tribe membership follows the father's line.

Stated Dr. David Goldstein of Oxford University:

"For more than 90 percent of the Cohens to share the same genetic markers after such a period of time is a testament to the devotion of the wives of the Cohens over the years. Even a low rate of infidelity would have dramatically lowered the percentage."
[Science News, October 3, 1998]

Wider genetic studies of diverse present day Jewish communities show a remarkable genetic cohesiveness. Jews from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, North Africa and European Ashkenazim all cluster together with other Semitic groups, with their origin in the Middle East. A common geographical original can be seen for all mainstream Jewish groups studied.

This genetic research has clearly refuted the libel that the Ashkenazi Jews are not related to the ancient Hebrews, but are descendants of the Kuzar tribe -- a pre-10th century Turko-Asian empire which reportedly converted en masse to Judaism. Researchers compared the DNA signature of the Ashkenazi Jews against those of Turkish-derived people, and found no correspondence.

OTHER SURPRISING FINDINGS

In their second published paper in Nature (July 9, 1998) the researchers included an unexpected finding. Those Jews in the study who identified themselves as Levites did not show a common set of markers as did the Cohanim. The Levites clustered in three groupings, one of them the CMH. According to tradition, the Levites should also show a genetic signature from a common paternal patrilineal ancestor. The researchers are now focusing effort on the study of Levites' genetic make up to learn more about their history in the Diaspora.

Using the CMH as a DNA signature of the ancient Hebrews, researchers are pursuing a hunt for Jewish genes around the world.

The research has shown a clear genetic relationship amongst Cohanim and their direct lineage from a common ancestor. The research findings support the Torah statements that the line of Aaron will last throughout history:

"... and they shall have the Priesthood as a statute forever, and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons." [Exodus 29:9]

"... it shall be for them an appointment to an everlasting Priesthood throughout their generations." [Exodus 40:15]

"And it shall be to him and to his descendants after him a covenant of everlastingPriesthood." [Numbers 25:13]

That our Torah tradition is supported by these findings is an inspiration for many that God surely keeps His promises. May we soon see the Cohanim restored to their service, Levites on their Temple platform and Israelites at their places.

If you are a Cohen or Levi interested in participating in the DNA research and/or receiving further information please contact:

Center For Cohanim,
3 Rehov HaMekubalim,
Old City, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone/Fax: (02) 628-9243
Email: ymkleiman@hotmail.com

STUDY QUESTION:
What can modern biology tell us about the credibility of our Bible?
A: if we compare this data with the Truth Tests elsewhere on this blog we will see added external evidence that backs up the reality behind who God was writing too in past centuries.

Q: if the Bible really is what it claims is it safe to add to it or remove portions from God's revelation?
A: God's word is safe only if we both believe and apply what God is saying.

Q: is it safe to be in doubt about Jesus Sermon on the Mount?
A: that forces us as James later did to fall at Jesus feet with an ethical respnse.

Q: is it safe to doubt Jesus Olivet Discourse which most are ignorant of?
A: Jesus spent the largest teaching block revealing warnings about our future. Is it safe to be in denial about what He is really communicating? Is it safe to ignore this revelation because of the way that teaching fits in a favorite chart? Is it safe to deny because we label it apocalyptic?
A: the Jews are real people who not only have a past and present they also have a future. Once of the reasons so many like to avoid prophecy is because they do not like what the Bible says about Jews.

Isaiah 46:8-10
Remember this, and show yourselves men, bring it again to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"

God is holy. Because God is holy everything he says is right. Bible prophecy scholars say "one fourth of the Bible was prophetic at the time it was written." “Most significant is the fact that half these prophecies – 500 of them – have already been literally fulfilled.”


GOD DOES NOT LIE
"God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and then not fulfill?" Num 23:19

FALSE PROPHETS SET DATES

Matt 24:42
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (NAU)


Todd Strandberg ~ DATE SETTING LIST

Todd Strandberg, http://www.raptureready.com/rr-date-setters.html 5/23/2006.
Other people throughout history have read the same words of Jesus and have come up with different interpretations of what He intended. They've somehow managed to get around all restrictions against precise date setting. On a number of occasions, by doing so, they created pure havoc. The following is a list of some past failed attempts at date settings and some dates yet to come.

53 AD Even before all the books of the Bible were written, there was talk that Christ's return had already taken place. The Thessalonians panicked on Paul when they heard a rumor that the day of the Lord was at hand, and they had missed the rapture.
500 A Roman priest living in the second century predicted Christ would return in 500 AD, based on the dimensions of Noah's ark.

1000 This year goes down as one of the most heightened periods of hysteria over the return of Christ. All members of society seemed affected by the prediction that Jesus was coming back at the start of the new millennium. None of the events required by the Bible were transpiring at that time; the magic of the number 1000 was the sole reason for the expectation. During concluding months of 999 AD, everyone was on his best behavior; worldly goods were sold and given to the poor; swarms of pilgrims headed east to meet the Lord at Jerusalem; buildings went unrepaired; crops were left unplanted; and criminals were set free from jails. When the year 999 AD turned into 1000 AD, nothing happened.

1033 This year was cited as the beginning of the millennium because it marked 1,000 years since Christ's crucifixion.

1186 The "Letter of Toledo" warned everyone to hide in the caves and mountains. The world was reportedly to be destroyed with only a few spared.

1420 The Taborites of Czechoslovakia predicted every city would be annihilated by fire. Only five mountain strongholds would be saved.

1524-1526 Muntzer, a leader of German peasants, announced that the return of Christ was near. After Muntzer and his men destroyed the high and mighty, the Lord would supposedly return. This belief led to an uneven battle against government troops. He was strategically outnumbered. Muntzer claimed to have had a vision from God in which the Lord promised that He would catch the cannonballs of the enemy in the sleeves of His cloak. The prediction within the vision turned out to be false when Muntzer and his followers were mowed down by cannon fire.

1534 A repeat of the Muntzer affair occurred a few years later. This time, Jan Matthys took over the city of Munster. The city was to be the only one spared from destruction. The inhabitants of Munster, chased out by Matthys and his men, regrouped and lay siege to the city. Within a year, everyone in the city was dead.
1650-1660 The Fifth Monarchy Men looked for Jesus to establish a theocracy. They took up arms and tried to seize England by force. The movement died when the British monarchy was restored in 1660.

1666 For the citizens of London, 1666 was not a banner year. A bubonic plague outbreak killed 100,000 and the Great Fire of London struck the same year. The world seemed at an end to most Londoners. The fact that the year ended with the Beast's number—666--didn't help matters.

1809 Mary Bateman, who specialized in fortune telling, had a magic chicken that laid eggs with end-time messages on them. One message said that Christ was coming. The uproar she created ended when an unannounced visitor caught her forcing an egg into the hen's oviduct. Mary later was hanged for poisoning a wealthy client. History does not record whether the offended chicken attended the hanging.

1814 Spiritualist Joanna Southcott made the startling claim that she, by virgin birth, would produce the second Jesus Christ. Her abdomen began to swell and so did the crowds of people around her. The time for the birth came and passed; she died soon after. An autopsy revealed she had experienced a false pregnancy.

1836 John Wesley wrote that "the time, times and half a time" of Revelation 12:14 were 1058¬1836, "when Christ should come" (A. M. Morris, The Prophecies Unveiled, p. 361).

1843-1844 William Miller was the founder of an end-times movement that was so prominent it received its own name, Millerism. From his studies of the Bible, Miller determined that the second coming would happen sometime between 1843-1844. A spectacular meteor shower in 1833 gave the movement a good push forward. The buildup of anticipation continued until March 21, 1844, when Miller's one-year timetable ran out. Some followers set another date--Oct 22, 1844. This too failed, collapsing the movement. One follower described the days after the failed predictions: "The world made merry over the old Prophet's predicament. The taunts and jeers of the 'scoffers' were well-nigh unbearable."

1859 Rev. Thomas Parker, a Massachusetts minister, looked for the millennium to start about 1859.

1881 Someone called Mother Shipton had, 400 years earlier, claimed that the world would end in 1881. A controversy hangs over the Shipton writings as to whether or not publishers doctored the text. If the date was wrong, should it matter anyway?

1910 The revisit of Halley's comet was, for many, an indication of the Lord's second coming. The earth actually passed through the gaseous tail of the comet. One enterprising man sold comet pills to people for protection against the effects of the toxic gases.

1914 Charles Russell, after being exposed to the teachings of William Miller, founded his own organization that evolved into the Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1914, Russell predicted the return of Jesus Christ.

1918 In 1918, new math didn't help the Witnesses from striking out again.

1925 The Witnesses had no better luck in 1925. They already possessed the title of “Most Wrong Predictions.” They would expand upon it in the years to come.

1941 Once again, Jehovah's Witnesses beleived that Armageddon was due. Before the end of 1941, the end of all things was predicted.

1967 When the city of Jerusalem was reclaimed by the Jews in 1967, prophecy watchers declared that the "Time of the Gentiles" had come to an end.

1970 The True Light Church of Christ made its claim to fame by incorrectly forecasting the return of Jesus. A number of church members had quit their livelihoods ahead of the promised advent.

1973 A comet that turned out to be a visual disappointment nonetheless compelled one preacher to announce that it would be a sign of the Lord's return.

1975 The Jehovah's Witnesses were back at it in 1975. The failure of the forecast did not affect the growth of the movement. The Watchtower magazine, a major Witness periodical, has over 13 million subscribers.

1977 We all remember the killer bee scare of the late 1970's. One prophecy prognosticator linked the bees to Revelation 9:3-12. After 20 years of progression, the bees are still in Texas. I'm beginning to think of them as the killer snails.

1981 One author boldly declared that the rapture would occur before December 31, 1981, based on Christian prophecy, astronomy, and a dash of ecological fatalism. He pegged the date to Jesus' promised return to earth a generation after Israel's rebirth. He also made references to the "Jupiter Effect," a planetary alignment occurring every 179 years that supposedly could lead to earthquakes and nuclear plant meltdowns.

1982 It was all going to end in 1982, when the planets lined up and created magnetic forces that would bring Armageddon to the earth.

1982 A group called the Tara Centers placed full-page advertisements in many major newspapers for the weekend of April 24-25, 1982, announcing: "The Christ is Now Here!" They predicted that He was to make himself known "within the next two months." After the date passed, they said that the delay was only because the "consciousness of the human race was not quite right..." Boy, all these years and we're still not ready.

1984 The Jehovah's Witnesses made sure, in 1984, that no one else would be able to top their record of most wrong doomsday predictions. The Witnesses' record currently holds at nine. The years are: 1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1975, and 1984. Lately, the JWs are claiming they're out of the prediction business, but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. They'll be back.

1987 The Harmonic Convergence was planned for August 16-17, 1987, and several New Age events were also to occur at that time. The second coming of the serpent god of peace and the Hopi dance awakening were two examples.

1988 The book, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988, came out only a few months before the event was to take place. What little time the book had, it used effectively. By the time the predicted dates, September 11-13, rolled around, whole churches were caught up in the excitement the book generated. I personally had friends who were measuring themselves for wings. In the dorm where we lived, my friends were also openly confronting all of the unsaved. It became my job to defuse situations. In one case, an accosted sinner was contemplating dispensary action against my now-distant friends. Finally, the days of destiny dawned and then set. No Jesus. The environment was not the same as Miller's 1844 failure. To my surprise, the taunting by the unsaved was very brief. I took it that people have very little understanding of the Bible, so they had nothing to taunt my friends with. I made one other interesting observation. Although the time for the rapture had been predicted to fall within a three-day window, September 11-13, my friends gave up hope on the morning of the 12th. I pointed out that they still had two days left, but they had been spooked, nonetheless

1989 After the passing of the deadline in 88 Reasons, the author, Edgar Whisenant, came out with a new book called 89 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1989. This book sold only a fraction of the number of copies his prior release had sold.
1991 A group in Australia predicted Jesus would return through the Sydney Harbor at 9 a.m., March 31, 1991.

1991 Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan proclaimed the Gulf War would be "the War of Armageddon ... the final War."

1991 Menachem Schneerson, a Russian-born rabbi, called for the Messiah to come by September 9, 1991, the start of the Jewish New Year.

1992 A Korean group called Mission for the Coming Days had the Korea Church an uproar in the fall of 1992. They foresaw October 28, 1992 as the date for the rapture. Numerology was the basis for the date. Several camera shots that left ghostly images on pictures were thought to be a supernatural confirmation of the date.

1993 If the year 2000 is the end of the 6,000-year cycle, then the rapture must take place in 1993, because you would need seven years of the tribulation. This was the thinking of a number of prophecy writers.

1994 In the book, 1994: The Year of Destiny , F. M. Riley foretold of God's plan to rapture His people. The name of his ministry is “The Last Call,” and he operates out of Missouri.

1994 Pastor John Hinkle of Christ Church in Los Angeles caused quite a stir when he announced he had received a vision from God that warned of apocalyptic event on June 9, 1994. Hinkle, quoting God, said, "On Thursday June the 9th, I will rip the evil out of this world." At the time, I knew Hinkle's vision didn't match up with Scripture. From a proper reading of Bible prophecy, the only thing that God could possibly rip from the earth would be the Christian Church, and I don't think God would refer to the Church as "evil." Some people tried to interpret Hinkle's unscriptural vision to mean that God would the rip evil out of our hearts when He raptured us. Well, the date came and went with no heart surgery or rapture.

1994 Harold Camping, in his book Are You Ready?, predicted the Lord would return in September 1994. The book was full of numerology that added up to 1994 as the date of Christ's return.

1994 After promising they would not make anymore end time predictions, the Jehovah's Witnesses fell off the wagon and proclaimed 1994 as the conclusion of an 80-year generation; the year 1914 was the starting point.

1996 This year had a special month, according to one author who foresaw September as the time for our Lord's return. The Church Age will last 2,000 years from the time of Christ's birth in 4 BC.

1996 California psychic Sheldon Nidle predicted the end would come with the convergence of 16 million space ships and a host of angels upon the earth on December 17, 1996. Nidle explained the passing of the date by claiming the angels placed us in a holographic projection to preserve us and give us a second chance.

1997 In regard to 1997, I received several e-mail messages that pointed to this as the year when Jesus would return for His church. Two of the more widely known time frames were Monte Judah's prediction that the tribulation would begin in February/March and another prediction based on numerology and the Psalms that targeted May 14 as the date of the rapture.

1997 When Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat signed their peace pact on the White House lawn on September 13, 1993, some saw the events as the beginning of tribulation. With the signing of the peace agreement, Daniel's 1,260-day countdown was underway. By adding 1,260 days to September 1993, you arrive at February 24, 1997.

1997 Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club saw a "90 percent" chance that the tribulation would start September 12, 1997. He based his conclusion on several end-time signs: that would be Jesus' 2,000th birthday and it would also be the Day of Atonement, although it wouldn’t be what is currently the Jewish Day of Atonement. Further supporting evidence came from Romanian pastor Dumitru Duduman. In several heavenly visions, Dumitru claimed to have seen the Book of Life. In one of his earlier visions, there were several pages yet to be completed. In his last vision, he noticed the Book of Life only had one page left. Doing some rough calculating, Johnson and friends figured the latest time frame for the completion of the book would have to be September 1997.

1998 Numerology: Because 666 times three equals 1998, some people point to this year as being prophetically significant. Someone called me long distance just so he could pass on to me this earth-shattering news.

1998 A Taiwanese cult operating out of Garland, Texas predicted Christ would return on March 31 of 1998. The group's leader, Heng-ming Chen, announced God would return and then invite the cult members aboard a UFO. The group abandoned their prediction when a precursor event failed to take place. The cult's leader had said that God would appear on every channel 18 of every TV in the world. Maybe God realized at the last minute, the Playboy Network was channel 18 on several cable systems, and He didn't want to have Christians watching a porn channel.

1998 On April 30, 1998, Israel was to turn 50 and many believed this birthday would mark the beginning of the tribulation. The reasoning behind this date has to do with God's age requirement for the priesthood, which is between 30-50.

1998 1998 Marilyn Agee, in her book, The End of the Age, had her sights set on May 31, 1998. This date was to conclude the 6,000-year cycle from the time of Adam. Agee looked for the rapture to take place on Pentecost, which is also known as “the Feast of Weeks.” Another indicator of this date was the fact that the Holy Spirit did not descend upon the apostles until 50 days after Christ's resurrection. Israel was born in 1948; add the 50 days as years and you come up with. After her May 31 rapture date failed, Agee, unable to face up to her error, continued her date setting by using various Scripture references to point to June 7, 14, 21 and about 10 other dates.
1999 Well, you can't call Marilyn Agee a quitter. After bombing out badly several time in 1998, Marilyn set a new date for the rapture: May 21 or 22 of this year.

1999 TV newscaster-turned-psychic Charles Criswell King had said in 1968 that the world as we know it would cease to exist on August 18, 1999.

1999 Philip Berg, a rabbi at the Kabbalah Learning Center in New York, proclaimed that the end might arrive on September 11, 1999, when "a ball of fire will descend . . . destroying almost all of mankind, all vegetation, all forms of life."

2000 Numerology: If you divide 2,000 by 3, you will get the devil's number: 666.66666666666667.

2000 The names of the people and organizations that called for the return of Christ at the turn of the century is too long to be listed here. I would say that if there were a day on which Christ could not return, it must have been January 1, 2000. To come at an unknown time means to come at an unknown time. I think January 2, 2000 would have been a more likely day for Him to call His Church home--right after the big let down.

2000 On May 5, 2000, all of the planets were supposed to have been in alignment. This was said to cause the earth to suffer earthquakes, volcanic eruption, and various other nasty stuff. A similar alignment occurred in 1982 and nothing happened. People failed to realize that the other nine planets only exert a very tiny gravitational pull on the earth. If you were to add up the gravitational force from the rest of the planets, the total would only amount to a fraction of the tug the moon has on the earth.

2000 According to Michael Rood, the end times have a prophetically complicated connection to Israel's spring barley harvest. The Day of the Lord began on May 5, 2000. Rood's fall feast calendar called for the Russian Gog-Magog invasion of Israel to take place at sundown on October 28, 2000.

2000-2001 Dr. Dale SumburËru looked for March 22, 1997 to be "the date when all the dramatic events leading through the tribulation to the return of Christ should begin" The actual date of Christ's return could be somewhere between July 2000 and March 2001. Dr. SumburËru is more general about the timing of Christ's second coming than most writers. He states, "The day the Lord returns is currently unknown because He said [Jesus] these days are cut short and it is not yet clear by how much and in what manner they are cut short. If the above assumptions are not correct, my margin of error would be in weeks, or perhaps months."

2002 Priests from Cuba's Afro-Caribbean Yoruba religion predicted a dramatic year of tragedy and crisis for the world in 2002, ranging from coups and war to disease and flooding.

2004 This date for Jesus' return is based upon psalmology, numerology, the biblical 360 days per year, Jewish holidays, and "biblical astronomy." To figure out this date, you'll need a calculator, a slide rule, and plenty of scratch paper.

2006, June 6, [6-6-06] many are linking these three 6’s on this date to the release of Satanic power and the coming of Antichrist. Since the Holy Spirit residing in the church is who restrains Antichrist this means the church must be raptured before this date.

2011-2018 For the past several decades, Jack Van Impe has hinted at nearly every year as being the time for the rapture. Normally, he has only gone out one or two years from the current calendar year. However, Jack's latest projection for the rapture goes out several years. His new math uses 51 years as the length of a generation. If you add 51 years to 1967, the year Israel recaptured Jerusalem, you get 2018. Once you subtract the seven-year tribulation period, you arrive at 2011.

2012 New Age writers cite Mayan and Aztec calendars that predict the end of the age on December 21, 2012.

2060 Sir Isaac Newton, Britain's greatest scientist, spent 50 years and wrote 4,500 pages trying to predict when the end of the world was coming. The most definitive date he set for the apocalypse, which he scribbled on a scrap of paper, was 2060.

Todd Strandberg, http://www.raptureready.com/rr-date-setters.html 5/23/2006.

TRUTH TEST NO. 4

TESTS FOR ANCIENT TEXTS

Do The Texts This Cult Uses for Authority Have Integrity?
Is It Safe to Trust Cultic Revelations?


THREE TESTS TO APPLY TO CULTIC REVELATIONS

1. THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TEST
Do Copies Agree With Originals?

This is an examination of the way a purportedly ancient document has been transmitted through the ages into our time (textual transmission see chapters 4 and 5). If we have the original documents we would not need this test. The question this test asks is, "How reliable are the copies we have in regard to the number of manuscripts?" Another related question is, "What is the time element between the original and the earliest existing copy?"

The bibliographic test has been used by scholars throughout the world for thousands of years to evaluate ancient texts. This test is limited. It questions whether the text being examined is the same as the original text as recorded by the author. It does not address any issues about the credibility of the content of that text. This test will work equally well with manuscripts of Homer's Iliad as it will with a book from the Bible.

As we look at this test remember how well the New Testament did: It was written between 40 and 100 A.D. Its earliest copy dated from 125 A.D. This leaves a conservative time span of 25 years at the latest (some scholars believe this period was only 10 or 15 years). The number of copies were numbered at over 24,970. When we compare that record with the next most famous case from antiquity we see Homer's Iliad written in 900 B.C. with the earliest copy dating from 400 B.C. which leaves a timespan of 500 years. The number of copies the Iliad had were 643. No serious critic doubts either of these documents. Go back and study the chapters that review the record of many other ancient writings. Also go back and look at the number of Old and New Testament manuscripts. The Bible is a very unique book.


2. THE INTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST
What Does The Text Say About Itself?

This is an internal test we can make on any cultic revelation by simply reading their English version and the claims they are making about the text.

This test examines the actual content of the text. This test is limited to the text itself. Some rules for this process are important:

a. Aristotle's Rule: when an apparent discrepancy or inaccuracy seems to occur within the text, the benefit of the doubt is always given to the text. Don't rush into judgement before studying this discrepancy which needs to be fully proved or disproved. "One must listen to the claims of the document under analysis, and not assume fraud or error unless the author disqualified himself by contradictions or known factual inaccuracies."

b. Is the author or witness credible? Dr. Louis Gottschalk, professor of history at the University of Chicago outlines his historical method as a guide used by people investigating the credibility of ancient texts. "Gottschalk points out that the ability of the writer or the witness to tell the truth is helpful..." to the persons determining credibility.

c. How close was the author or witness to the events recorded both geographically and chronologically? "The New Testament accounts of the life and teaching of Jesus were recorded by men who had been either eyewitnesses themselves or who related the accounts of eyewitnesses of the actual events or teachings of Jesus."


3. THE EXTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST
What Do Other Sources Say About The Cultic Text Being Examined?

This test looks at the text by examining only materials that are external to the text. This means we look at what other historical source materials say about the text. What will these other sources say to substantiate things like "accuracy, reliability, and the authenticity" of the text. Sources we can turn to today to help us understand critical texts are contemporary voices at the time of authoring, ancient histories, archeology, including the way the sciences have improved our ability to judge texts today. A good example is the way DNA can help us judge the goatskin a text was written on . Scientific dating can also help us evealuate the dates texts were written or copied.

Before we move on we need to look at a few more terms.

Accuracy: is in exact conformity to truth, a standard, a rule, or to a model. It is free from all error or defect. It is exact, precise, and correct.

Reliability: this is that confidence that comes when the text has proven satisfactory as to veracity, integrity, and certainty regarding facts or evidence.

Authenticity: means the text is exactly what it purports to be. It is not false or fictitious. It is genuine and valid. When applied to a document it means it can be relied on as narrating real facts.


CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TESTS:

1. The Book of Mormon does not have an original text we can even use for comparison. They say the “golden plates” were transmitted back to heaven. The Book of Abraham text from the LDS Pearl of Great Price has an original found in the 1960’s but it does not reflect the English translation at all. Most Mormon apologists say Joseph Smith used magic methods to come up with his English Translation. The original is a very familiar text from the Egyptian Book of the Dead which anyone can translate today. Yet Joseph Smith’s English translation looks like it comes out of Smith’s imagination. If you compare the English translation of the Book of the Dead with Smith’s Abraham text there are no agreements except to conclude they both reflect pagan deities foreign to the Bible.

2. The Quran has many doubts about its origin. They have no authoritative autograph.


CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THE INTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST:

1. The Book of Mormon was written to be the most correct book on earth over 9,000 corrections in grammar and spelling (as well as changes distorting the original text) later, that claim can be considered ludicrous. It claims to connect our generation to a modern prophet called because historic Christianity apostatized. As we study the life and ministry of Joseph Smith we see him failing all the Biblical tests that define safe prophets to follow. When we compare Mormon Scriptures with themselves they lack the normal harmony we see in the Bible. For example: text after text in their canon refutes polytheism and polygamy yet both are important realities to modern Mormons.

2. Their Doctrine & Covenants D&C, 20:9 claims the Book of Mormon contains all the foundational teachings of Mormonism yet the Book of Mormon refutes polytheism and polygamy D&C 101:4; Jacob 2:23-24 now being promoted D& C 131; 132.

3. Their Book of Abraham also fails these tests scholars have proven it is forgery, merely a pagan text with an entirely false translation. If the prophet Joseph Smith was capable of such deception why should anyone trust the Book of Mormon which lacks a textual background.

CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THE EXTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST:

1. The Book of Mormon was written to be the most correct book on earth over 9,000 corrections in grammar and spelling (as well as changes distorting the original text) later, that claim can be considered ludicrous. It claims to connect our generation to a modern prophet called because historic Christianity apostatized. As we study the life and ministry of Joseph Smith we see him failing all the Biblical tests that define safe prophets to follow. When we compare Mormon Scriptures with themselves they lack the normal harmony we see in the Bible. For example: text after text in their canon refutes polytheism and polygamy yet both are important realities to modern Mormons.

2. Their Doctrine & Covenants D&C, 20:9 claims the Book of Mormon contains all the foundational teachings of Mormonism yet the Book of Mormon refutes polytheism and polygamy D&C 101:4; Jacob 2:23-24 now being promoted D& C 131; 132.

3. Their Book of Abraham also fails these tests scholars have proven it is forgery, merely a pagan text with an entirely false translation. If the prophet Joseph Smith was capable of such deception why should anyone trust the Book of Mormon which lacks a textual background.


TRUTH TEST SUMMARY

Without making reference to them, your study has applied each of the tests to the Bible. They have offered confirming evidence to the absolute truth of both the Old and New Testaments. Because you can evidence their truthfulness why not trust both its message and its author today. Jesus Christ is the same awesome Savior who was interacting with people in the New Testament.

TRUTH STUDY ASSIGNMENT

These are safe tests. Try applying them to any interfaith writings, prophecies or revelations you may have in your library. Are Mormons knocking on your door offering you their Book of Mormon? Apply these Biblical tests to it. Have friends from the Watchtower been offering to have their “Bible Study” with you? Let some truth tests be applied to their tracts and material.

Test for Future Prophets Authoring Revelation

Deut 13:1-5

1. "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder,
2. and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,'
3. you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
4. "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.
5. "But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from among you. (NAU)

Q: as we study false claims for revelation how can John the Baptist's motto inform our faith and practice?

A: John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease. (NAU)

Q: why is Jesus such a safe source after over 2,000 years?
A: Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.


Every Jot & Tittle Jesus'Words' Fulfilled

Matt 5:17-19 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 "Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others {to do} the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches {them} he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (NAU)


A: Matt 16:18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (NAU)

A: if we are built on top of the correct rock Satan will never have lasting victory over us even though he can persecute us from within and without the church.

A: we do not live in a utopian age daily use of God's armor is necessary

God’s Whole Armor

Eph 6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil {one.} 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and {pray} on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in {proclaiming} it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (NAU)

P52 John 18:31-33


P52 Onw of the oldest texts from the New Testament. This section of John preserves Jesus talking to Pilate at his final trail. Many date it at AD 110 about 25 years after John wrote.

Study Question: why is this oldest text only a fragment?
A: This period of the church was filled with persecution. It was centuries later after Constantine's conversion that we see the entire Roman Empire used to preserve the New Testament. An early text that is in murch better shape is P46.

Papyrus 46 (also referred to as simply P46) is one of the oldest New Testament manuscripts known to exist, with its 'most probable [creation] date' between 175-225[1]. It was part of the Chester Beatty Papyri. According to the website Bible Research, it contains (in order) "the last eight chapters of Romans; all of Hebrews; virtually all of 1–2 Corinthians; all of Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians; and two chapters of 1 Thessalonians. All of the leaves have lost some lines at the bottom through deterioration."[2]

Not Everyone Agrees About These Dates

P46 Date: The manuscript is now dated to about 200 [7]. Young Kyu Kim argued for an earlier date of c. 80.[8] Griffin critiqued and disputed Kim's dating,[9] placing the 'most probable date' between 175-225, with a '95% confidence interval' for a date between 150-250[10]

Similarly Comfort and Barrett[11] show that P46 shares very similar affinities with the following:

P. Oxy. 8 (assigned late first or early second century),
P. Oxy. 841 (the second hand, which cannot be dated later than 125–150),
P. Oxy. 1622 (dated with confidence to pre 148, probably during the reign of Hadrian [117–138], because of the documentary text on the verso),
P. Oxy. 2337 (assigned to the late first century),
P. Oxy. 3721 (assigned to the second half of the second century),
P. Rylands III 550 (assigned to the second century) and
P. Berol. 9810 (early second century).
This, they conclude, points to a date during the middle of the 2nd century for P46.

P46 contains most of the Pauline epistles. Some folios are missing, and the others are currently to be found either in the Chester Beatty Library (CB) or at the University of Michigan (Mich.).

TRUTH TEST NO. 3

THE STANDARD TEST

What Standard Does This Cult Use That They Trust?

Here is another example. If we want to make a precise measurement of an object that is supposed to be say one inch long, we can travel to the National Bureau of Standards and compare our opinion about how long one inch is, to a National Standard that is one inch long with only millionths of an inch of deviation.

This standard is housed in a "clean room" environment because even a single piece of dust can add .0001" to the length of the standard. It is housed in a "temperature controlled" environment because a change of just a few degrees can add or subtract another .0001" to the length of the standard. This standard is referred to as a standard for measurement.

It may seem too obvious to mention, but is important to note that the National Bureau of Standards houses many standards. If we want to measure length, voltage, volume, weight, or the intensity of light, these standards are there. We would not try and determine the length of an object using a volt meter. Use the right standard.

What standard should we use in matters of faith?

2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:4
16. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17. so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
4:1. I solemnly charge {you} in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2. preach the word; be ready in season {and} out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but {wanting} to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4. and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (NAU)

The apostle Paul told Timothy that anytime we are confused about matters of faith that we should consult the entire council of God's Word as the only faithful, true alnd dependable standard. God’s word is a sufficient guide because it reveals God’s Will. If we dare to trust God’s word we know it is the same standard God uses in heaven, [Ps 119:89] as well as on earth [Ps 105:8]. If we trust God’s word to guide us we also know it was designed for our very time 1 Pet 1:21 as well as being sure in the future Mt 24:35.

GOD'S WORD SETTLED IN HEAVEN

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Ps 119:89

GOD'S WORD SETTLED ON EARTH

He has remembered his covenant forever, the Word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Ps 105:8

GOD'S WORD SETTLED FOR TODAY

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet 1:21

GOD'S WORD SETTLED FOR THE FUTURE

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away. Mt 24:35

CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THIS TEST:

World Religions all have revelations they claim as authoritative. We see common names from Babylonian times that reflect a Book of the Dead. We see it in Assyria, Egypt, Tibeten, Maya, Aztec. Most of these holy books pride themselves on making obscure statements about reality that have no practical application. That is because they all view the physical world as having no meaning. The only reality is after death when we become one with everything and everyone. We don’t see the Ten Commandments as being unique as a Holy God requiring holy behavior. The Bible is unique in providing a practicle answer to guilt and shame that is safe and eternal. When we try and study all these ancient funerary books we see them all having one thing in common. We only know about them through archeology. No one passed these writings on from father to son as we see with the Bible. This is important because very few scriptures can be shown to be genuinely ancient. The Bible alone is “inspired” by God which makes each and every portion of the Book the authoritative word of God. Inspiration preserves God’s word.


Ancient First Century Copy the Shema
This ancient scrap contained someone's personal copy of the Shema. Every Jew had to memorize that passage before their barmitzpha or batmitzpha at age 12.

The Shema Deut 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (NAU)

Study Question: what is it about the Bible that has left such a mark on every reader.
A: when we pick up the Text it forces us to choose. Do we respond in faith or unbelief?

TRUTH TEST NO. 2

THE REALITY TEST

Does This Cults Teaching Reflect Reality?

Questions we could ask to use this test could be, "Is this teaching (or author or witness) consistent?" First is the teaching consistent with itself? When we make this evaluation we need to be inclusive. This means that we don't just study from the material they give us. All facts must be examined and considered.

Cults very often package their materials so as to cause one to overlook certain glaring problems. At every step we need to verify all the facts that are available for verification.

Some things they will say must be accepted by faith. But of the things that you can verify, will they stand up under careful scrutiny? Here is a good rule, if everything you can investigate falls apart under scrutiny, it is safe to assume that everything they want you to accept by faith will also fall apart. It is important that we make our investigation based on an assumption: a universal body of truth exists in God that is reliable throughout his creation. There is nowhere in creation where his laws are suspended.

CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THIS TEST:
1. Mormon claim humans can become a God.
2. Islamic claim those who are martyred for will die and receive 70 virgins.
3. Scientology’s claim you can find relief from guilty feelings using an E-Meter.


Gal 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (NAU)

Paul is using the plural “we” to evidence the growing number of apostolic letters that were being treasured in the early church. The early church was outnumbered in their world. They had a hunger for these apostolic messages we now call our New Testament. Today in the post modern church age we have lost that early hunger probably because all of us have dozens of Bibles laying around that we ignore.

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

2 Cor 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. (NAU)

Paul associates Satan v14 with both the content of these false messages as well as being their energy source allowing them to grow so fast. False apostles v13 comes from the single word pseudapostolos which means a spurious apostle, or a pretended preacher. Friberg says this word defines one without a divine commission for the office (2 Cor 11.13).

The words disguising themselves v13 comes from metaschematizo which defines them as a meta schemer. In the very next verse Paul uses the same exact word to describe Satan. Friberg says this word means (1) physically, as changing the outward form of someth. transform, transfigure, change (PH 3.21); (2) mid. as altering the outward scheme of things so as to deceive transform oneself, disguise oneself (2C 11.14); (3) as illustrating someth. w. the help of a figure of speech adapt, apply, transfer (1C 4.6). The verb defining Satan’s work is in the ongoing present indicative which evidences two things about Satan. First that he never stops. Second his message will be very believable.

EXPOSE DARKNESS IN YOUR CHURCH

Eph 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. (NAU)

Both Greek verbs don’t participate sugkoinwne,w sugkoinoneo in their sin and expose evle,gcw elegcho their darkness by shining a light are in the ongoing present active imperative grammar. Paul warned the church to both avoid this practice and work hard to bring others out whether they are in the church or outside of God’s safe covenant.

False Teachers are Dangerous. Following Mormon leaders blindly led many to kill hundreds at Mountain Meadow's Massacre. Study Sandra Tanner's 6 minute video using the click below. This year a full length motion picture called September Dawn was released 2007. This video can be rented and purchased at all major video stores.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcMWuNld0sE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k7kAbHgOyo


This film has been so important to the current LDS leaders they for the first time changed their approach. They quit being in denial. See this local news story. Film makers have helped us as Paul said in 1 Tim 1:18-19 to fight the good fight against this group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-hgY3xNTCY&feature=related





PAUL’S COMMAND FACING FALSE TEACHERS FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

1 Tim 1:18-19 … fight the good fight, 19. keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. (NAU)

Paul used this word strateuomai when he commanded Timothy to enter the battle. Friberg says it means (1) lit. perform military service, serve as a soldier, go to fight (1C 9.7); (2) metaph. of intensified spiritual warfare brought about by the presence of evil; (a) pos. of a Christian worker resist evil, struggle against evil forces (2C 10.3; 1T 1.18).

Paul didn’t include that word to define an easy struggle. That struggle is needed because some who claim to be Christian leaders have not in fact remained in the faith or allowed their faith to elevate their ethical standards. Because of this Paul says they have shipwrecked nauageo their faith. Friberg says we can spot these leaders because this will define their lives be shipwrecked (2C 11.25); fig. as failing to continue to live w. a clear conscience be spiritually ruined, give up believing, no longer believe (1T 1.19).

GOD’S COMMAND DON’T ADD OR SUBTRACT FROM GOD’S MESSAGE

Rev 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19. and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. (NAU)

The angel John was speaking with quoted this passage from the safety of the Mosaic Law.

Deut 4:2 "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (NAU)

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Notes: [Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you]-- by the introduction of any pagan superstition, or forms of worship different from those which I have appointed Num. 15:39; 1 Chr. 12:32; Matt. 15:9. [Neither shall ye diminish ought from it]-- by the neglect or omission of any of the observances, however trivial or irksome, which I have prescribed. The character and provisions of the ancient dispensation were adapted with divine wisdom to the instruction of that infant state of the congregation. But it was only a temporary economy; and although God here authorizes Moses to command that all its institutions should be honoured with unfailing observance, this did not prevent Him from commissioning other prophets to alter or abrogate them when the end of that dispensation was attained.

Justification

Justification: Justification dikaio,w dikaioo is a divine act whereby an infinitely Holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before Him because Christ has borne the sinner's sin on the cross and has become "to us . . . righteousness" 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24. Justification springs from the fountain of God's grace Titus 3:4-5. It is operative as the result of the redemptive and propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, who has settled all the claims of the law Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9. Justification is on the basis of faith and not by human merit or works 3:28-30; 4:5; 5:1; Gal. 2:16. Having now been justified dikaio,w dikaioo by His blood ai|ma haima v9. The verb been justified dikaio,w dikaioo dikaiwqe,ntej verb participle aorist passive nominative masculine plural [UBS] dikaio,w put into a right relationship (with God); acquit, declare and treat as righteous; show or prove to be right; set free (Ac 13.38; Ro 6.7); dÅ to.n qeo,n acknowledge God's justice or obey God's righteous demands (Lk 7.29). Our justification is in the aorist because it is a completed action in the past performed by Christ once for all on the cross. Christianity is unique because of its teaching of justification by grace (Ro 3:24). Justification is God's declaration that the demands of His Law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son. Although the Lord Jesus has paid the price for our justification, it is through our faith that He is received and His righteousness is experienced and enjoyed (Ro 3:25-30). Faith is considered righteousness (Ro 4:3,9), not as the work of man (Ro 4:5), but as the gift and work of God (Jn 6:28-29; Php 1:29).

Ransom: Hosea 13:14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? O Death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight. ransom hd'P' padah hdP verb qal imperfect 1st person common singular , suffix 3rd person masculine plural hd'P' (p¹dâ) ransom, rescue, deliver. Meaning: to ransom Usage: any means redeem(1), ransom(4), ransomed(7), redeem(24), redeemed(18), redeems(1), redemption price(1), rescued(1), surely redeem(1), way been redeemed(1). Notes: (1) Lit hand (a) Psa 49:15; Eze 37:12, 13 (b) 1Co 15:55 (c) Jer 20:16; 31:35-37. Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." ransom lu,tron lutron lu,tron noun acc neut sing [UBS] lu,tron, ou n means of release, means of redeeming. Friberg: as a price paid for release fr. slavery or captivity ransom; fig. of the cost to Christ in providing deliverance fr. sin price of release, ransom, means of setting free. Unger’s: (Heb. from pada, "release"; koper, "forgiveness"; or ga'al). A price paid to recover a person or thing 1 Cor. 6:19-20. A ransom is that which is substituted for the party Exo. 21:30. The people of Jehovah are redeemed by wonderful miracles Isa. 35:10 and are called "the ransomed of the Lord" Isa.51:11; cf. 35:9; 62:12. There are three Hebrew words behind the concept of ransom: 1.) koper which indicates payment made in substitution for another’s life, 2.) ga’al which is associated with family relationships like the kinsman redeemer, 3.) pada which demonstrates God’s gracious work in salvation. Overall there is a sense of liberation being experienced through the payment of a price.

Redemption: Luke 1:68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption lu,trwsij lutrosis for His people. The noun redemption lu,trwsij lutrosis lu,trwsin noun acc fem sing [UBS] lu,trwsij, ewj f redemption, liberation, setting free Meaning: a ransoming, a redemption Usage: redemption(3).Notes: (a) 1Ki 1:48; Psa 41:13; 72:18; 106:48 (b) Luk 1:71; 2:38; Heb 9:12. Friberg: strictly, a loosing; (1) act. providing a ransom, releasing fr. slavery or captivity; (2) fig. and pass. in the NT deliverance, freedom, liberation. Romans 3:24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Paul teaches us that for God to justify us first we had to be set free from the slavery of sin and death. Though closely allied to salvation, redemption is more specific, for it denotes the means by which salvation is achieved, namely by the payment of a ransom.. In ancient Israel both property and life could be redeemed by making the appropriate payment. The kinsman-redeemer could redeem both the property and freedom of a near relative as well as be a blood avenger. Redemption defines the way the death of Christ, as the unblemished offering to God, pays the price demanded by a Holy God for delivering the believer from the bondage and burden of sin. This payment results in the sinner being set free from both condemnation and slavery to sin.

Regeneration: [New DNA from Above] John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." ("being born again"). The spiritual change wrought in man by the Holy Spirit, by which he becomes the possessor of a new life. John 3:7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' Jesus offers a sick religious world a cure in the form of a command in 3:7. This new birth must come from above just as Christ did: gennhqh/nai verb inf aor pass [UBS] genna,w be father of; bear, give birth to (perhaps conceive); pass. be born; lead to, cause (2 Tm 2.23). The passive proves once we activate our faith God does His work by providing this new eternal safe position. Friberg: (1) lit. (a) of men beget, become the father of (MT 1.2); pass. be born of (GA 4.23); (b) of women bear, give birth to (LU 1.13); (2) fig. (a) of God's part in Jesus' resurrection (AC 13.33) and his messianic exaltation to the position of highest honor (HE 1.5) (officially) become father, publicly acknowledge; (b) pass. of the spiritual new birth be born, be regenerated (JN 3.3); (c) of the influence of a leader upon his disciples become a father (1C 4.15); (d) as producing a result give rise to, cause (2T 2.23). Regeneration is to be distinguished from justification, because justification is a change in our legal relation to God, whereas regeneration is a change in our moral and spiritual nature as we enter God’s family. The Scriptures principally by such terms as "born again," "born of God," "born of the Spirit" (see John 3:3-13; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1; 1 Pet. 1:23). There are also other forms of expression of deep significance with reference to the same great fact (see Ezek. 36:25-26; Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:9-10). The work of regeneration is specially ascribed in the Scriptures to the Holy Spirit (see John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5). This is in full accord with the whole tenor of special revelation in representing the agency of the Spirit in the economy of salvation.

Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Paul used katalla,ssw katallasso katalla,xantoj verb part aor act gen masc sing [UBS] katalla,ssw (aor. pass. kathlla,ghn, ptc. katallagei,j) put (someone) into friendship with God; reconcile (of man and wife). Notes: (a) 1Co 11:12 (b) Rom 5:10; Col 1:20 (c) 1Co 3:5. Friberg: as restoring relationship betw. individuals or betw. God and man reconcile, change from enmity to friendship (2C 5.18); pass. be or become reconciled (RO 5.10). 2 Corinthians 5:19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. By the death of Christ Adam and Eve’s fall brought amazing curses on the part of creation associated with human dominion Gen 1:26. The restoration of the entire fallen cosmos was brought about on the cross. Is a change of personal relations between human beings or between man and God. Enmity and estrangement are replaced by peace and fellowship. God is acting to restore the ruptured relationship between himself and the rebellious. Reconciliation is a process that reaches even God’s enemies. God has so changed the situation between himself and man that he reconciled the world. There is a wide range of topics effected by reconciliation. The fact of the hostility and wrath between God and man was only reconciled by the death of God’s son. Reconciliation had to be both Godward and manward. God has chosen to reconcile man before man chooses to be reconciled when man was still far away from God in rebellion.

Sanctification: Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification” a`giasmo,j hagiasmos a`giasmo,n noun acc masc sing [UBS] a`giasmo,j, ou/ m consecration, dedication, sanctification, holiness Meaning: consecration, sanctification Usage: sanctification(8), sanctifying work(1), sanctity(1). Notes: (1) Lit to sanctification (a) Rom 3:5 (b) Rom 6:13 This is the work of the Holy Spirit in all genuine believers. This is how the New Covenant is better than the Old. The Old required parents to teach their children the Law by memorizing the Shema Deu 6:4. The New has God directly writing it on their hearts beginning the moment we come to Christ in faith. Romans 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Friberg: (1) as the process of making holy, dedicating, sanctifying; (a) as the operation of the Spirit making holy, causing to belong completely to God, sanctifying work (1P 1.2); (b) as the careful moral behavior which expresses one's dedication to God a pure way of life, upright behavior, holy living; opp. avkaqarsi,a (1TH 4.3, 4, 7); (2) as the moral goal of the purifying process holiness, right behavior (RO 6.22). The NT presents the doctrine of sanctification in three aspects: positional, experiential, and ultimate. Positional sanctification is the possession of everyone "in Christ." Positional sanctification Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10,14; Jude 3. Experiential. The basis of experiential sanctification, or actual holiness of life. Ultimate. This is glorification or complete conformity to Christ at His coming 1 John 3:1-3; Rom. 8:29-30; Jude 24-25. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

Glorification: Isaiah 6:3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah used dAbK' kabod noun common masculine singular construct dwObK' (k¹bôd) I, glorious, occurs only as the feminine singular k®bûddâ (Ezek 23:41; Psa 45:14). The LXX used do,xhj noun genitive feminine singular common [UBS] do,xa, hj f glory, splendor, grandeur (in gen. often glorious); power, kingdom; praise, honor; pride ( do,xa kai. cara, pride and joy 1 Th 2.20); brightness, brilliance; revealed presence of God, God himself; heaven (1 Tm 3.16); glorious heavenly being (2 Pe 2.10; Jd 8); do.j do,xan tw/| qew/| promise before God to tell the truth (Jn 9.24) Meaning: abundance, honor, glory Usage: bosom(1), glorious(8), glory(147), honor(33), honorable(1), honored(1), riches(1), soul(2), splendid(1), splendor(2), wealth(3). Notes: (1) Lit fullness of the whole earth is His glory (a) Rev 4:8 (b) Num 14:21; Psa 72:19 This is the language Paul brings into his NT theology Rom 8:30 He also kai, kai glorified sundoxa,zw sundoxazo v30. The verb is in the aorist active grammar evdo,xasen. Paul used this verb even though the fact of our glorification is still in the future. Paul is using glorification from the standpoint of the way God views it. It was a completed action the moment we were justified v30. In Rom 8:17 Paul uses The verb be glorified sundoxa,zw sundoxazo is in the rare aorist passive grammar sundoxazo sundoxasqw/men. Paul used this grammar to define our glorification much like he did in Eph 2:6. Even though our human flesh is still here we have reality in our new position that is also in heaven. Friberg: (1) as giving or sharing a high status glorify, make great (RO 8.30); (2) as enhancing the reputation of God or man praise, honor, magnify (MK 2.12); (3) as putting into a position of power and great honor, esp. in the future life glorify (JN 7.39); (4) pass. (a) of things greatly valued and excellent be wonderful, glorious (1P 1.8); (b) of pers. receiving great honor be glorified, praised (LU 4.15). Paul uses this grammar to describe our ultimate glorification to encourage his struggling readers who were at that very moment being persecuted to a large measure. Many who saw Christians die for their faith were asking how secure their salvation really was. When Paul used the completed action of the aorist this settled it along with the divine active voice. Our assurance of ultimate victory rests solely in the divine promises of God. This is specially encouraging to those who face years of suffering with difficult life circumstances. We know from earlier passages how the whole earth is suffering with anxiety, pain, distress and disaster. This amazing group of passages that close Rom 8 encourage every believer that God has sent the Holy Spirit for just such an hour. It is the work of the Spirit to bring comfort in suffering and assurances in moments of doubt. The Christians who stagger at these promises fail to let the Spirit energize His purposes in their lives. The promises of God say to all who hurt a life of devotion, prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship will best enable the Spirit to work in our lives.

Does Your Church Follow the Right Jesus?

1. JESUS IS FULLY GOD Mic 5:2, Jn 8:58, Isa 40:3; Col 1:16-17, 2:9; Rev 1:8, Jn 1:1-3, 14; Jn 9:35-39; Phil 2:6-11.The evidence for the integrity of prophesy itself is associated with claims of deity. Isa 49:9-10; 41:21-23; Num 23:19 Jesus claimed to be Messiah God from Old Testament. Lk 24:27, 44 Paul agreed. Acts 28;23 Peter agreed Acts 10:43 John agreed. Jn 5:39 Philip agreed. Jn 1:45 Luke agreed. Lk 24:25 Isaiah said Messiah’s name was God with us. Isa 7:14 Isaiah said Messiah was Mighty God. Isa 9:6-7 Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah said Messiah would be born of a virgin mother. Isa 7:14 The psalmist said Messiah would be seated as God in heaven. Ps 110:1 Another psalmist said He was worshiped as God. Ps 95:6-7 Isaiah said there would be a forerunner for Messiah calling Messiah both LORD and God. Isa 40:3. Christ made covenant appearances with his preincarnate body Jn 5:22 cf. Ps 9:7-8 often as the Angel of Yahweh Gen 16:7-13, Gen 22:11-18, Gen 32:24-32, Ex 24:9-11, Ex 40:38, Ex 33:9-23, Josh 5:13-15; Ezek 1:1-28; Dan 10:1-21. Messianic passages link full deity Ex 6:7.

2. JESUS IS FULLY HUMAN. the fact that he is main work is redemption Isa 44:6 which makes it necessary that he come as a human being to die in our place. We see this as a prophetic theme running through the entire Old Testament. Jesus was the “Seed” of the woman Gen 3:15 having a human lineage in the Bible. Messiah had a birthplace in Bethlehem Mic 5:2. Isaiah said He would be born of a virgin. Isa 7:14; 9:6-7. He will also predicted to be a son of king David 2 Sam 7:11, 14 which he fulfilled. The psalmist said Messiah would be visited by “magi” after His birth. Ps 72:10 Malachi said He would have a human forerunner who Gospel writers even say was humanly a distant relative of Jesus. Mal 3:1 The psalmist described Messiah as a Son. Ps 2:7 Messiah was to come as Prophet Deu 18:15-19, Priest 1 Sam 2:35, and King. Zech 9:9 Isaiah prophesied Messiah would die a sacrificial death Isa 52:14, 53:5 as the suffering servant of Yahweh his death is associated with Messiah also proving his full humanity Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53.

3. JESUS IS SELF-EXISTENT Isaiah prophesied Messiah would be fully God. Isa 9:6; Isa 40:3 Micah said Messiah is eternal. Mic 5:2 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah would be both a corner stone and foundation stone of the church. Isa 28:14-18. His self existence is best evidenced by his creative works. He stood outside of time, space, and matter creating the entire universe Gen 1, Jn 1:1-4, 14; Col 1:16-17 cf. Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2, 10-12; Rev 4:11; 10:6; 14:7. Another important evidence of that self existence can be seen in the way he voluntarily chose to leave his place of glory with his Father to come to earth to accomplish God’s plan Phil 2:5-11. When Jesus identified himself with the I Am sayings of the Mosaic law he identified himself fully as being part of Israel’s complex but only true God Exod 3:14 cf. Jn 8:58.

4. JESUS IS FULLY ETERNAL Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah called Him Everlasting Father. Isa 9:6 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah’s priesthood is eternal. Ps 110:4 Messiah was to be “King” forever. 2 Sam 7:11-16. We see him busy long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Jn 8:58, Mic 5:2, Isa 9:6, Jn 1:1-3, 14; Rev 13:8; Col 1:17; Rev 1:8. Because we see Jesus associated with the proper personal name Yahweh Isa 44:6 this proves he is both unchangeable and eternal. Because Jesus also linked himself to the I Am sayings this is more similar prove of Christ’s eternality Exod 3:14 cf. Jn 8:58. Yahweh Shammah Ex 34:28; Ezek 48:35 was there in eternity past, at His birth in Zion, and is the name of the holy city in eternity future. Yahweh Sabaoth 2 Sam 6:2 is seen as Christ in eternity past, at Bethlehem, and in eternity future. El Olam Gen 21:33 defines Jesus as being infinitely God in eternity past and future. 'Ab 'Ad defines Christ as being the Everlasting Father.

5. JESUS IS OMNIPOTENT Moses prophesied that when Messiah came he would be strong enough to crush Satan’s head. Gen 3:15 Moses also predicted Messiah’s work as a prophet would be evidence that would prove his deity because those prophecies would come to pass. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah foretold Messiah would perform powerful miracles Isa 35:5-6 all four gospel writers witnessed. The psalmist identified Messiah with creative work that made the universes creation look like mere finger play. Ps 8:3 He also predicted Messiah’s power to forgive sins and work out our salvation which took the “arm of Yahweh.” Isa 59:1 Isaiah identified Messiah as being fully God thus having all of the attributes of God. Isa 9:6; 43:1-11; 45:15-18, 21-23; 61:1-3. These creative works were all accomplished before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Gen 1, Jn 1:1-4, 14; Col 1:16-17 cf. Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2, 10-12; Rev 4:11; 10:6; 14:7. In addition we see his ability to preserve the universe proves his omnipotence Col 1:17 cf. Ps 33:9. In addition it was predicted that Messiah would have the same power God used for caring for and delivering Israel. Isa 43:1-11; 45:15-18, 21-23; 61:1-3; Heb 13:8; Col 2:9; Mt 28:18; power to forgive sin, save, preserve heal and cast out demons: Mt 9:6, Lk 8:25, Mk 1:29-34; Heb 7:25; 2 Tim 1:12.

6. JESUS IS OMNIPRESENT It was predicted long before his incarnation at Bethlehem that Messiah would be fully God which included his omnipresence Isa 9:6, 40:3 cf. Heb 13:8. Yahweh Shammah Gen 12:7; Ex 24:12; Ezek 48:35 points to Jesus being there both in eternity past and future. Yahweh Ra’ah Ps 23:1 is Jesus as true shepherd who must shepherd millions and answer prayers simultaneously at one time Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1, 28:9; Isa 40:11; Hos 4:16. We see his full deity including omnipresence being evident to everyone who witnessed his life story Jn 1:1, Col 1:17, Isa 9:6, Heb 13:8; Mt 28:20 The fact that he promised to be actively indwelling every believer is another clear proof of this aspect of his deity Jn 14:18, 20, 23; cf. Nathaniel’ testimony Jn 1:48. Even though His humanity required him to add a physical component to his being this seeming locality never came into conflict with either his full humanity or his full deity. We did see him necessarily choose to not openly display his glory until the Father’s plan, including the death of his physical body, was fulfilled Phil 2:5-11.

7. JESUS IS OMNISCIENT Messiah’s work as a prophet was predicted long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah said cosmic government is upon Messiah’s shoulders. Isa 9:6; 45:20-23, 46:9-10 All of this evidenced He was omniscient. Isa 45:20-23, 46:9-10; Heb 13:8; Jn 2:25; 6:64; 13:1; 16:30; 18:4; 19:28; 21:17; Col 2:3; 1 Cor 1:30. As Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 Jesus is all seeing and knowing. As Yahweh Ra’ah Ps 23:1 Jesus is predicted to be that true shepherd who must shepherd millions and answer prayers simultaneously at one time Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1, 28:9; Isa 40:11; Hos 4:16. Messianic predictions associating Christ with the name El Deot 1 Sam 2:3 is evidence for Jesus omniscient knowledge Job 10:7; Ps 139:6; Prov 3:20; Ps 139:1-18. We see his full deity including omniscience being evident to everyone who witnessed his life story Jn 1:1, Col 1:17, Isa 9:6, Heb 13:8; Mt 28:20 cf. Nathaniel’ testimony Jn 1:48.

8. JESUS IS IMMUTABLE Malachi predicted long before Messiah’s incarnation at Bethlehem that the coming Messiah would be LORD and would never changes Mal 3:6. The Psalmist also predicted Messiah was unchanging Ps 102:25-27 which the author of Hebrews says was fulfilled in Christ’s coming Heb 1:10-12 cf. Heb 13:8. Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 provides constancy in all seeing and providing in eternity past and future. Yahweh Sabaoth 2 Sam 6:2 was as omnipotent God in eternity past, at Bethlehem, and in eternity future proving he did not change.

9. JESUS IS FULLY SINLESS Messiah was predicted to be holy and righteous long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. We see his holiness being predicted by the use of Yahweh - m'Kaddesh Lev 20:8; Isa 6:3. This names associates the coming Messiah with the personal proper name for Israel’s God Yahweh who is declared holy in the most absolute terms in this contexts. Yahweh Elohim told Moses to remove his shoes because His presence was holy. Yahweh m’Kaddesh means Jesus is absolutely holy meaning He is without sin which also means He is free of frailties common to man. We see his righteous predicted by his association with Yahweh Tsidkenu Jer 23:6. Yahweh Tsidkenu means He is absolutely righteous meaning He is without sin. In addition we see Messiah often being called the Holy One Isa 54:5. One of Messiah’s primary duties is to be Isaiah’s suffering servant of Yahweh. This means he had to be absolutely sin free and blemish free Ex 29:1. When we see the predicted Messiah associated with the name El Emet Ps 31:5 this predicts when we see Messiah we will know him because he is absolutely truthful. Messiah is also associated with the name Shemesh Tsedaqah Mal 4:2 which evidences when he comes all of his activities will be completley just and right all the way to his final second coming in glory and power.

10. JESUS IS SUBORDINATE TO THE FATHER Isaiah prophesied long before Messiah’s incarnation at Bethlehem that he would be a “Servant of Yahweh.” Isa 42:1-7 cf 49:1-7 Isaiah also called Messiah the “Suffering Servant.”Isa 52-53:21 We see Messiah being associated with sonship Ps 2:7. As the suffering “servant” of Yahweh we see his submission including his own death Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13—53. The psalmist recorded Messiah’s prayer language to the Father Ps 22 which we later see in the Gospels being lived out. Because of this we see Jesus subordination to his Father as a theme in the New Testament Heb 1:5-8; Jn 4:34; 5:19, 30; 6:38-40, 65; 8:28-29; 12:44-50; 16:23-28; 17:1-26.

11. JESUS PLANNED TO COME TO EARTH FROM HEAVEN AS A MAN Before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Jn 1:1-3, 14; 3:13, 16; 6:58; 8:42; 16:27-28; Phil 2:5-11; Rev 13:8. Isaiah said Messiah would be a "Servant of Yahweh." Isa 42:1-7 cf 49:1-7 These Messianic promises were tied to sonship Ps 2:7 which we see first as the “seed of the woman” in Gen 3:15, again as being born of a virgin Isa 9:6, again being a son of king David 2 Sam 7:11, 14. As suffering servant of Yahweh his death fulfills God’s will for humanity Jn 3:16; cf. Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53; 53:11; Ezek 34:23-24; Zech 3:8.

12. JESUS WAS RESURRECTED. Long before his incarnation at Bethlehem we see many Messianic predictions that define Messiah’s death also define His resurrection. The psalmist predicted Messiah would not see decay in his grave Ps 16:10. Thousands of New Testament witnesses agreed that this prophecy was fulfilled Acts 2:25; 13:34-37. This fact proved the uniniqueness of Messiah as the Son of God and did much to energize the primitive church. The Jews in the Old Testament had hope for such a resurrection we should not be surprised that Messiah would embody that hope. Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2; Job 19:25-26; 14:13-15.

13. JESUS’ SACRIFICE IS SUFFICIENT Messianic predictions long before his incarnation at Bethlehem all agreed when Messiah came he would offer a safe, eternal relationship with God. We can see this in the way his offering was predicted to remove guilt and restore peace with God. Isa 53:5 We see the Psalmist predicting Messiah would be a qualified priest forever. Ps 110:4 Job’s testimony included a hope for a future Messiah as Redeemer. Job 19:25 Malachi predicted Messiah would be called the Sun of Righteousness because of the way it would shine out for the whole world Mal 4:2. When we see Messiah being associated with Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 it defines our salvation as a full provision because this is the same name associated with the God who prepared coverings for the sins of Adam and Eve Gen 3:21. When we see Messiah associated with Yahweh Rapha it defines full salvation Exod 15:26; Ps 30:2; 103:3; Jer 3:22; Isaiah 53:5. This was expecially helpful in Num 12:1-16 when we see this Messianic name associated with the fiery serpent on the pole, Num 21:5-9 which Jesus associates with eternal life Jn 3:14-15 cf. Rev 12:11;Jn 3:16; 5:24; 6:38-40; 10:27-29; 17:3, 12. That pole is a type for the cross Jesus Christ was executed on in fulfillment of the Father’s plan Jn 3:11-17. Yahweh Shalom Judges 6:24; Isa 9:6; Isa 61:1-2 who foreshadows a fullness of peace with God through Christ. The Messianic name Yahweh Tsidkenu defines the right standing that can only be imputed by God Jer 23:6; Ps 19:9 cf. Deu 4:8; 1 Cor 1:30, 2 Cor 5:21. When we see the Messianic name Yahweh m’Kaddesh it associates holiness or sanctification as the pathway to the Christian life Lev 21:8; Isa 6:3; 54:5; Hos 11:9; Ps 22:3-5; cf. 1 Pet 1:16. When we see the Messianic name Yahweh Shammah it predicts when Messiah comes he will be God as fully present between the cherubim above the altar of the Mercy Seat Gen 12:7; Ex 24:12; Ezek 48:35. This is the present place of work that Christ is doing for his church. When we see Messiah associated with the name Tsur – Yeshuah Deut 32:15; Isa 49:8 it predicts the way Messiah will be the only safe rock of our salvation.

14. JESUS IS ASCENDED BACK TO EARTH IN A GLORIFIED STATE Long before his incarnation in Bethlehem the Psalmist predicted Messiah would ascend into heaven Ps 68:18; 24:7-10; 47:5; 110:1. Elsewhere we see his predicted glory to be associated with as a royal kingship that was to be eternal lasting forever 2 Sam 7:11-16. We see other predictions from the Law Lev. 16:14 which taught us by the way the high priest observed the Day of Atonement. On that day alone he took the blood of the sacrifice into the holy of holies and there sprinkled the mercy seat Lev. 16:14. To do this the priest had to remove all his most costly valuable robes and enter wearing only a white garment. Most Jews believed this was to teach the way Messiah was meant to leave heaven and come to earth to fulfill God’s plan. This predcits how Christ on the day of resurrection, having fulfilled that sacrificial work completely, returned to heaven John 14:2 to present the blood of sacrifice in heaven itself and in this way applied the blood to the heavenly altar John 20:17 and Hebrews 9:6-20. Luke 9:51; John 6:62; John 7:33; John 14:12, 28; John 16:5, 10, 16, 17, 28. Later we see Paul teach this in more detail in Phil 2:5-11.

15. JESUS IS RETURNING IN A SECOND COMING. Long before Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, we see many predictions about the Great Tribulation period Jer. 30:5; Dan. 9:27 which was to be followed by the coming of Messiah in power and glory. Moses predicted Messiah would return in association with Israel’s return from captivity Deu 30:3 As we study all Messianic prophecy we see no Old Testament prophet foretelling Messiah will return to a peaceful idyllic earth under subjection by God’s people. Instead we see them all testify to a glorious coming which rescues Israel from vicious enemies at the close of the seven year “great tribulation” period. We see Jesus confirming this in his Olivet Discourse. The earliest one we see understanding anything about this event was Enoch from who predicted Messiah’s second coming Jude 1:14-15.


Study Questions: is the Jesus presented at your church anything like the Jesus from the Bible? Today too many treat Jesus as a dead leader who they loyally follow. Is Jesus Lordship active today because He is Alive and present in your church? Or are people where you attend just playing church? Do leaders in your church follow John the Baptist's motto? John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." (NAU)

Does your church tell the truth about the consequences for following the wrong Jesus?

Mt 7:24-27 "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!" (HCSB)

Only two courses of action are possible - two kinds of roads and gates (Mt 7:13-14), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15-20), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24-27).