Jesus The Resurrected - Revelation 1

Most know of Jesus Christ from the gospel accounts, which paint a detailed picture of the One who came in the form of a man to die for the redemption of “whosoever will” (John 3:16).  Yet the Lord who Is, and Is to come has been “transfigured” (Matthew 17:1-9), transformed into His eternal form, revealing the characteristics that those who “love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8) will associate with Him to know in the eternity to come.  The opening chapters of the Revelation which John received from Jesus give us a description of Jesus the Messiah as He will be seen at His second coming, and throughout all eternity. 

In Revelation 1:4-8, we receive a vivid picture of the resurrected Lord.  Verses 1-3 establish that this revelation comes from Jesus Himself.  The words and prophecy contained within are promised to be a blessing to those who hear and keep the words that follow.  We are also told that the time of the events that are mentioned is “at hand”, or imminent.  The description of Jesus begins in verse 4:

-          The One who Is, Was and Is to come (Psalm 90:2, 102:25-27, Isaiah 57:15, Micah 5:2) (vs. 4)

-          The Faithful Witness (Psalm 89:35-37 see addendum)  (vs. 5)

-          The Firstborn of the dead (Psalm 89:27, John 11:25-26, Acts 26:23, Colossians 1:18, 15:20-23)  (vs. 5)

-          The Ruler of the kings of the earth (Psalm 72:11, Matthew 4:8 Satan offered this to Jesus if He would worship him, 28:18, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, 19:16)  (vs. 5)

-          He who loves us (1 John 4:7-19, 13:1, 34-35, Romans 8:37, Ephesians 5:2, 25-27)  (vs. 5)

-          He who washed us from our sins in His own blood (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:18-19)  (vs. 5)

-          He has made us to be a kingdom of priests (or kings and priests) to His God and Father (Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6, 1 Peter 2:5-9)  (vs. 6)

-          To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (Daniel 4:34, Philippians 2:11, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 Peter 5:11, Jude 1:25)  (vs. 6)

-          Behold, He is coming with the clouds (Acts 1:11) and every eye will see Him (Matthew 24:27, 30) and they also which pierced Him (Zechariah 12:10-12, John 19:37) (vs. 7)

-          All tribes of the earth will mourn over Him (Matthew 24:30) (vs. 7)

-          I AM the Alpha and Omega (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, 48:12, Hebrews 12:1-2) who Was, Is and Is to come, the Almighty (Genesis 17:1, Revelation 4:8, 21:22)  (vs. 8)

Note that the first two descriptions above refer to the eternal and all-powerful God in the heavens.  The second two refer to the eternal God who took the form of man (Jesus) and has attained authority over death and authorities on earth.  The third pair of descriptions are statements of the personal savior of men and women throughout history, Messiah Jesus, who loves “His sheep” (John 10:11-16) and set His believers free from the debt and power of sin through His own blood.  (Matthew 26:26-28, Romans 3:25, Ephesians 1:7)

The seventh part of this section describes the result of Jesus Christ on those who believe.  They are to become a kingdom of priests or kings and priests to God the Father.  It is uncertain which is exactly meant.  The passage in Greek would seem to indicate the best reading as being “a kingdom of priests”, and the weight of other mentions in scripture (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9) would seem to indicate that it should read as a “kingdom of priests”.

Following that passage is the praise “to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever”.  This is then followed by the promise of His coming “with the clouds”, “every eye will see Him” including those who pierced Him.  All the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him, and by this point in history, the reason to mourn will be so great as to be overwhelming.  This mourning comes from ages of death, loss, suffering, pain, injustice, etc.

Finally, the passage ends where it began, and not without reason.  All things in the end return to the One who was the beginning of all things.  This short passage is in effect an overview of the history of Jesus Messiah as written in scripture.  From creation and the beginning in Eden, to His “theophanies” (the appearance of Jesus Messiah in the Old Testament, before His incarnation), to the accomplishments of His earthly ministries, and finally how this age ends, with His coming and appearing to all mankind, their mourning for the One they crucified and rejected, and His re-establishment before all souls of Who He really is, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all history.

 

Revelation 1:9-11 then becomes a preface for the following descriptions of Jesus Christ as He is today, waiting at the right hand of God, spiritually overseeing the churches of His sheep.

In Revelation 1:12-13 John sees seven lampstands, which we are told in verse 20 are the seven churches to whom he is sending this letter.  Note that believers are to be lamps to the world (Matthew 5:14-16).  In the midst of these lampstands is one “like the Son of Man”.  (Daniel 7:13, John 5:27)  Son of Man is a specific title of Messiah, the divine savior provided by God as first mentioned in the Old Testament.  It is an important description for those who would say that Jesus the Christ came in spirit only, and not in the flesh.  He is both God and man, and the scriptures clearly proclaim both.

The description of the One “like the Son of Man” is as follows:

-          He is clothed with a robe reaching his feet (vs. 13)

-          Girded about with a golden girdle (wrapping around the waist) (Revelation 15:6) (vs. 13)

-          His head and hair are white like wool or snow (vs. 14)

-          His eyes are like flames of a fire (Daniel 7:9-10) (vs. 14)

-          His feet look like “burnished” bronze, glowing in the fire of a furnace (Daniel 10:2) (vs. 15)

-          His voice is like the sound of many waters (Ezekiel 43:2) (vs. 15)

-          His right hand holds seven stars (this is the angel for each of the seven churches vs. 20) (vs. 16)

-          Out of His mouth comes a sharp, two-edged sword (Isaiah 49:12, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 2:12, 16, 19:15) (vs. 16)

-          His face is shining like the sun in the fullness of its’ strength (Matthew 17:2, Jesus at the transfiguration) (vs. 16)

-          At this point in the vision, John does what other believers have done when they realized they were in the presence of God Almighty.  John falls at His feet like a dead man. (Exodus 33:18-20, Isaiah 6:3-5, Luke 5:8) (vs. 17)

-          Jesus here is described as the Living One (Job 19:25) (vs. 18)

-          I (Jesus) was dead – Behold – I AM alive forever more! (Hebrews 7:16) (vs. 18)

-          I have the keys of Death and Hades (vs. 18)

This last statement becomes the emphatic declaration of the power and authority over all things that Jesus Christ now possesses.  In 1 Corinthian 15:21-28 we get the explanation of the great plan of God from Eden to the end of the age.  The last enemy to be defeated is death.  (1 Corinthians 15:26)  Jesus set the “captives” free as part of His work after His death but before His resurrection. Ephesians 4:8-10 describes this momentous event as a fulfillment of the prophecies uttered in Psalm 68:18 and Isaiah 61:1.  This power Jesus has over death is confirmed in 2 Corinthians 5:8 and 2 Timothy 1:10.  This is why death no longer has any “sting” over God’s people. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).  Finally, we see the end of the angels Death and Hell/Hades in Revelation 20:14.

DOES GOD NEED A CO-SIGNER?  THE WITNESS IN THE CLOUDS

By Michael S. Heiser

We all know why co-signing a loan is required.  The bank assumes that the person who is being loaned the money may not be able to repay it.  Their commitment or ability is in question.  In the Bible, God typically swears by His own character when entering a covenant since there is no one above Him who qualifies to co-sign the agreement (Hebrews 6:13).  There is a fascinating exception to this in the Book of Psalms. 

Psalm 89:35-37 repeats the covenant between God and David from 2 Samuel 7 with an addendum at the end that is not found in 2 Samuel 7.  I’ve italicized the key phrases and arranged the verses to show their parallelism, labeling them by letters:1

A.       I have sworn by My Holy One;

B.      I will not lie to David.

C.      His descendants shall be forever.

C.      His throne (His dynastic descendants) shall be as the sun before Me.

B.      It (David’s throne) shall be established forever like the moon,

A.      And a witness in the clouds will be faithful.

God swears a covenant oath to David and promises that David’s descendants will forever have the right to sit on Jerusalem’s throne.  The promise is guaranteed by an unidentified witness in the clouds (God’s “Holy One”).  Why would God need someone to witness an agreement He initiated?  Who in heaven (“the clouds”) has that authority?

It was common in polytheistic religions of the ancient world to have gods witness the covenant agreements made by other gods.2  But there are no other gods in Israel’s faith equal to or above the God of Israel.  Yet Psalm 89 requires an equal to Yahweh who will uphold the covenant.  Who is this witness in the heavens who will be faithful to the covenant of David’s eternal dynasty?  Who will make sure God’s promise comes to pass and never fails?

The New Testament answers these questions in Revelation 1:4-5:

                John says to the seven churches that are in Asia:  Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits that are before His throne, and from      Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

Jesus, as the son of David, has fulfilled the Davidic covenant of Psalm 89.  Since the New Testament presents Jesus as true deity incarnate (true God in flesh), and equal in nature with the God of the Old Testament, Jesus fulfills the role of witness-guarantor eternally.

1.         English translations disagree on this passage for very technical reasons.  This is my own literal rendering, though the NASB comes closest to my translation.

2.        For examples see Heiser, “Ancient Semitic Inscriptions – How Can They Assist English Bible Study?”  at http://michaelheiser.com/Psalm89.pdf.

This study was copied from “I Dare You Not To Bore Me WithThe Bible, by Michael S. Heiser, Lexham Press, 2014.

  

Satan Does Not Hold the Keys of Death

And this should greatly encourage all believers...

We have different vocations with respect to the jobs and tasks God gives us in this life. But we all share in the vocation of death. Every one of us is called to die. That vocation is as much a calling from God as is a “call” to the ministry of Christ. Sometimes the call comes suddenly and without warning. Sometimes it comes with advance notification. But it comes to all of us. And it comes from God.

I am aware that there are teachers who tell us that God has nothing to do with death. Death is seen strictly as the fiendish device of the Devil. All pain, suffering, disease, and tragedy are blamed on the Evil One. God is absolved of any responsibility. This view is designed to make sure that God is free of blame for anything that goes wrong in this world. “God always wills healing,” we are told. If that healing does not happen, then the fault lies with Satan—Or with us. Death, they say, is not in the plan of God. It represents a victory for Satan over the realm of God.

Such views may bring temporary relief to the afflicted. But they are not true. They have nothing to do with biblical Christianity. They are intended to absolve God of any blame, but they contradict His sovereignty.

Yes, there is a Devil. He is our archenemy. He will do anything in his power to bring misery into our lives. But Satan is not sovereign. Satan does not hold the keys of death.

When Jesus appeared in a vision to the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos, He identified Himself with these words: “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever-more. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev. 1:17–18).
Jesus holds the keys to death, and Satan cannot snatch those keys out of His hand. Christ’s grip is firm. He holds the keys because He owns the keys. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. That includes all authority over life and death. The angel of death is at His beck and call.

World history has witnessed the emergence of many forms of religious dualism. Dualism affirms the existence of two equal and opposite forces. These forces are variously called good and evil, God and Satan, Yin and Yang. The two forces are locked in eternal combat. Since they are equal as well as opposite, the conflict goes on forever, with neither side ever gaining the upper hand. The world is doomed to serve as the eternal battleground between these hostile forces. We are the victims of their struggle, the pawns in their eternal chess game.

Dualism is on a collision course with Christianity. The Christian faith has no stock in dualism. Satan may be opposed to God, but he is by no means equal to God. Satan is a creature; God is the Creator. Satan is potent; God is omnipotent. Satan is knowledgeable and crafty; God is omniscient. Satan is localized in his presence; God is omnipresent. Satan is finite; God is infinite. The list could go on. But it is clear from Scripture that Satan is not an ultimate force in any sense.

We are not doomed to an ultimate conflict with no hope of resolution. The message of Scripture is one of victory—full, final, and ultimate victory. It is not our doom that is certain, but Satan’s. His head has been crushed by the heel of Christ, who is the Alpha and Omega.

Above all suffering and death stands the crucified and risen Lord. He has defeated the ultimate enemy of life. He has vanquished the power of death. He calls us to die, a call to obedience in the final transition of life. Because of Christ, death is not final. It is a passage from one world to the next.

Read the rest of this article at - http://www.ligonier.org/blog/satan-keys-death/

The Thousand-Year Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the New Jerusalem - Part 2

NEW JERUSALEM
1- We will Always be with the Lord - (Jo. 14:2-3,1 Thes. 4:17)

2- New Jerusalem will descend from the Heavens above. (Rev. 21:2, 10)

3- The light of the city will be like a clear, precious crystal. (Rev. 21:11)

4- The city will be bounded by a great high wall (appx. 216-240 ft. high Rev. 21:17) that will presumably be of the clear Jasper noted in vss. 11 and 18. It will have twelve gates, three on each side of the city. Each gate will be inscribed with the names of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and each gate will have an angel present. (Rev. 21:12-13) We can infer from this that individuals can come and go through the gates between earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem.

5- The wall of the city has twelve foundations, each bearing one of the names of the twelve apostles. (Rev. 21:14)

　

6- The city will be roughly 1,500 miles square, that is, both length and height! (Rev. 21:16)

7- The city will be made of a gold so pure that it appears as glass, including the streets. (Rev. 21:18, 21)

8- The foundations will be composed of twelve different precious stones (Rev. 21:19-20) and the gates of pearl (vs. 21).

9- There is no temple in it, because the Lamb of God and the Lord are the temple (Rev. 21:22)

10-The Glory of God and the Lamb will be the light of the city. (Rev. 21:23) The light will be so great that the gate of the city will never be shut. (vs. 25)

11-The nations which are saved shall walk in the light of the city. (Rev. 21:24)

12-The nations shall bring their glory (praise) and honor to the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:26) Only those written in the Book of Life may enter the city. (vs. 27) It is clear that there will be some sin on the earth, as vs. 27 excludes those who have committed certain sins. This would not be the case if there was no sin on the earth during this time.

13-A pure rive of the Water of Life (Is. 55:1-5, Ezek. 47:1-9, John 4:10, 14, 7:38) will flow from under the Throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev. 22:1)

14-The Tree of Life will grow on either side where the Water of Life flows. (Rev. 22:2) The Tree of Life will bear twelve different fruit, one for each month, and the leaves of the Tree will be for the healing of the nations. The fruit is food and presumably life-giving, but may have many other unknown qualities.

15-Believers will be “kings and priests” (or perhaps a kingdom of priests). (1 Peter 2:5-9, Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 20:6)

　

There is a difference between the earthly Jerusalem which will be renewed and rebuilt, and the heavenly New Jerusalem which will come down from heaven. The two have many similarities in scripture which point to the possibility that they are joined at the top of Mount Zion. However, the earthly Jerusalem will have a fully functioning temple, while the New Jerusalem will have no temple. Here are some similarities mentioned in prophecies below.

　

　

　

New Jerusalem	Jerusalem (Renewed)
Rev. 22:1-3, 10	Ezek. 43:7
Rev. 22:5 (King)	Ezek. 43:7,9 (King)
Rev. 21:23-24 (light)	Zech. 14:7 (light)
Rev. 22:1-2 (water)	Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18 (water)
Rev. 22:2 (Tree of Life)	Ezek. 47:12 (Tree of Life)
Rev. 21:26 (accessible to the nations)	Is. 2:2 (accessible to the nations)
Rev. 21:27 (entry only to the righteous)	Ezek. 44:9 (entry only to the righteous)
Rev. 21:4 (God will wipe away all tears)	Is. 25:8 (God will wipe away all tears)
Rev. 21:18-20 (the city is adorned with jewels)	Is. 54:11 (the city is adorned with jewels)

　

THE COMMON LINK: THE THRONE OF GOD

In scripture, the New Jerusalem and Jerusalem the earthly city would appear to be inseparable, centered around the Throne of God.

1-Both are referred to as the Throne of God. (Rev. 22:1-3, 10, Ezek. 43:7) 2-Both thrones seat a King who will live forever. (Rev. 22:5, Ezek. 43:7, 9) 3-Both throne rooms will display the Glory of God. (Rev. 21:23-24, Zech. 14:7)

4-Both thrones will have water flowing from them. (Rev. 22:1, Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18)

5-Both thrones will bring life and healing. ((Rev. 22:2, Ezek. 47:12)

6-Both throne rooms will be accessible to the nations. (Rev. 21:26, Is. 2:2)

7-They may be entered only by the righteous, while the unrighteous will be excluded. (Rev. 21:27, Ezek. 44:9)

8-Both thrones will swallow up death and wipe away tears. (Rev. 21:4, Is. 25:8)

9-Both will be adorned with costly jewels. (Rev. 21:18-20, Is. 54:11-12)

It would therefore seem safe to conclude that the New Jerusalem and the earthly Jerusalem are joined on the top of Mount Zion at the Throne of God and of the Lamb.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE?
The temple is built during the 45 day restoration period mentioned in Dan. 12:11-12. The temple is described in great detail in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. As redeemed believers, we no longer have a need for the temple. Paul wrote that the purpose of the law and the original temple was to teach, not to cleanse and redeem. (Rom. 3:20) Only Jesus Christ could redeem. (Heb. 10:4, 10)

Those dwelling on the earth during the Millennial Kingdom will not all be faithful and obedient, as seen in Rev. 21:27 and Ezek. 44:9. We know that at the end of the Millennial Kingdom many on earth will rebel against God. (Rev. 20:7-9) So just as the Temple was an instrument of instruction during the period of the Mosaic law, so it will once again be an instrument of instruction to mankind teaching the need for obedience and the price of sin.

The Coming Thousand-Year Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the New Jerusalem - Part 1

This is a brief look at the coming of New Jerusalem, the celestial city from the sky, and the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on earth.  This is just an outline with some artwork added in.  I hope you will take the scriptures and study on your own.  Most of all, take firm hold of this eternal hope that belongs to all who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

As we are told in Hebrews 11:13-16: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises,  but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city."  Let's take a look at that time period and city.

THE THOUSAND YEAR KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST
1- Satan is Restrained (Rev. 20:2-3) - This means there will be no global deception, no heresies, no false religion, and no spiritual temptation to sin.

2- Jesus Christ Reigns - (Is. 9:6-7, 62:1, Ps. 72:7, Jer. 23:5-6) - Jesus will be the only world leader. He will reign in righteousness, being just, holy and true. (Ps. 45:6-7, Dan. 2:44, Is. 11:1-5, 16:5, 32:1-5, Lk. 1:32-33) There will be no end to His government.

3- Israel will be God’s Chosen Land - (Ezek. 37:25)

4- Jerusalem will be the Capitol of the World - (Is. 2:1-5, Amos 9:11, Zech, 14:10, 16). Jerusalem will be raised up as a great mountain above the rest of the world.

5- Redemption of the Earth and all Creation - (Is. 11:6-9, 65:17-25, 66:22-24, Rom. 8:21)

6- Characteristics of the Kingdom -

Joy - (Is. 9:3-4)

Glory - (Is. 24:23)

Comfort - (Is. 12:1-2)

Full Knowledge - (Is. 11:1-2)

No Sickness (Health) - (Is. 33:24)

Immediate Answer to Prayer - (Is. 58:9, 65:24)

WHY THE 1,000 YEARS?
1- To Fulfill the Covenants of God -

Abrahamic Covenant - (Gen. 12:1-3) Unfulfilled promises to date include Israel being a great nation and their possession of all the Promised Land.

Davidic Covenant - (2 Chr. 13:5, 2 Sam. 7:12-16) Unfulfilled promises to date include that the seed of David would rule forever on the Throne of David.

New Covenant - (Jer. 31:31-34) Unfulfilled promises to date include the Lord’s promise of a spiritual rebirth of the Nation of Israel.

2- To Answer the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-10) “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.”

3- Rewards - (Is. 40:10, Matt. 16:27, 2 Tim. 4:8)

4- To Redeem Creation - (Acts 3:21, Rom. 8:21)

5- To Rebuild the Temple - (Ezek. 40-48, Acts 5:16)

6- The Ministry of Jesus Christ - (1 Pet. 1:11)

7- Some believe this is a completion of a 7,000 year period of mankind, with the last 1,000 years representing the Sabbath rest of the Lord. This idea is not clearly stated in scriptures. (Ps. 90:4, 2 Pet. 3:8)

 

THE FIRST DAY OF THE MILLENNIUM  1- Satan will be bound and thrown into the abyss. (Rev. 20:1-3)

2- The sheep and goat judgment will occur. (Rev. 20:1-4, Matt. 25:31-46)

3- Beheaded martyrs will be resurrected. (Rev. 20:1-4)

4- The creation of the new (renewed) heavens and earth will occur. (Rev. 21:1)

5- The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven to earth over Mt. Zion (Rev. 21:2)

THE NEW (OR RENEWED) HEAVENS AND EARTH  (Is. 65:17-18, , Rom. 8:19-21, 2 Pet. 3:10, 13, Rev. 21:1) - This will be a “radical renovation”, not something new created ex nihilo, or out of nothing. (Ps. 89:36-37, Jer. 31:35-36)

The word in the Greek used in 2 Peter is kainos, which means “something new as to (the) form or quality, that is the renewing of something old. If the Lord wanted to convey the idea of a brand new thng, He would have used the Greek word neos which would have meant something that was a brand new creation, not a cleansing or re-creation.

Jesus Shone Like the Sun

Sometimes, in the midst of all the evils and injustices perpetrated by governments and corporations, famines, pestilence and war without end, sometimes, we need to stop and remember what we as Christians hold onto, why we endure, why we dare to overcome...it's our resurrected Lord, and the promise that one day we too, will be resurrected, and spend days without end with Him, in His Presence...sometimes we need to remember...

One day, while near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus informed his disciples that he must die in Jerusalem. Peter took him aside and said, "God forbid it, Lord. This shall never happen to you." Jesus ordered Peter out of his sight, calling him "Satan." Then Jesus promised that some of those standing with him would not die before they saw the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. All of this set the stage for an astonishing event.

Six days later, Jesus took his innermost circle--Peter, James and John (James' brother) and brought them to a high mountain, possibly an outcropping of Mount Hermon which was near Caesarea Philippi. While Jesus was praying, Peter and the others fell asleep. They woke up to find that Jesus had changed. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes were gleaming white--whiter than any laundry on earth could make them. Christians call this the transfiguration.

Moses and Elijah had appeared and were talking with Jesus about his death, soon to take place in Jerusalem. No doubt this was a strong encouragement to Jesus to go through with the terrible ordeal he was about to face.

As Moses and Elijah left, Peter spoke up in fear. "Master, it is good for us to be here." Not knowing what else to say, he suggested building three booths, one for each of the heavenly beings. While he was still speaking, a supernatural cloud formed over them. The three disciples grew even more frightened as it surrounded them. A voice spoke out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, my chosen one, listen to him!" The three fell on their faces in terror.

After the voice had spoken, Jesus was alone again with the three disciples. "Don't tell anyone about this until the Son of Man is raised from the dead" he instructed his disciples. And so they did not say a word to anyone else. However, they discussed Christ's words among themselves, wondering what he meant by "raised from the dead." They also asked him about a prophecy made by Malachi four hundred years earlier that Elijah must come before the Christ. Jesus responded that Elijah had already come, (meaning John the Baptist, who, as Scripture tells us, had come in the spirit and power of Elijah).

The next day Jesus and his three disciples came down off the mountain, back to the ordinary world of failure and demon possession.

The transfiguration is a key event in Christ's life. It confirmed that Christ must die on the cross. Three gospel writers report it. Their simple statements have the ring of truth. Later, in one of his letters, Peter referred to the event, too, reminding his readers that he was an eyewitness to Christ's glory that day.

The transfiguration confirmed that Jesus had God's approval and was pure. It foreshadowed Christ's entry (and eventually every Christian's entry) into glory. This day, August 6, is the feast celebrating the transfiguration of our Lord.

Bibliography:

1. Bible.
2. "Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ." Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton, 1914.
3. "Transfiguration." Pictorial Bible Dictionary, general editor Merrill C. Tenney. Nashville, Tennessee: Southwestern, 1972.
4. "Transfiguration, the." Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford, 1997.

Read this article at - http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/jesus-shone-like-the-sun-11629552.html

Our New Bodies

 

It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him.   (1 John 3:2)

 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS   (click on the underlined verses to read them)

Our present body is only a "tent" which we will put aside.  2 Cor 5:1-3,  2 Pet 1:13-14

God, through Christ, will deliver us from this present "body of death" (which is the sinful nature).  Rom 7:20-25

God has prepared us for the purpose of being clothed with our heavenly body.  2 Cor 5:4-5

Although we do not know exactly what our new bodies will be like, we know that they will be like Jesus.  1 John 3:2-3

Our new bodies will be like Christ's glorious body.  Phil 3:20-21, Rom 8:28-30,  Ps 17:15,  Rom 6:5-8, 1 Cor 15:49,  2 Cor 3:17-18    (See Our Lord's Glorious Body)

We will be changed instantaneously when we are raised.  1 Cor 15:51-53

Each of us will have a unique body as God determines, just as a single seed produces its own unique plant.  1 Cor 15:35-58   (Think about how much more grandeur a plant is than its seed!  See also Mark 4:30-32,  1 Pet 1:22-23)

To gain our new body, our current body must die.  1 Cor 15:35-49  (See also Phil 1:21-23)

Our new body will be incorruptible.  Our current body is corruptible.    1 Cor 15:42-44, 1 Cor 15:52-54    (In context: 1 Cor 15:35-58)

Our new body will be glorified.  Our current body is dishonorable.    1 Cor 15:42-44,   (In context: 1 Cor 15:35-58)

Our new body will be powerful.  Our current body is weak .    1 Cor 15:42-44,   (In context: 1 Cor 15:35-58)

Our new body will be spiritual.  Our current bodies natural.   1 Cor 15:42-44,   (In context: 1 Cor 15:35-58)

Our new bodies will be from God, eternal and in the heavens.  2 Cor 5:1-5

Like Moses and Elijah, our bodies will likely be able to converse with others.  Luke 9:28-32,   Matt 17:2-3

We will speak a pure language that we may be able to call on the name of the Lord and serve Him.  Zeph 3:8-9

People who currently have physical disabilities will not have them in their new bodies.  Isaiah 35:3-5

We will have no racial or cultural distinctions  Col 3:9-11

 

OUR LORD'S GLORIOUS BODY

Remember, our new bodies will be like Christ's glorious body.  1 John 3:2-3,  Phil 3:20-21, Rom 8:28-30,  Ps 17:15,  Rom 6:5-8, 1 Cor 15:49,  2 Cor 3:17-18

He had glory before and after He lived on earth.  John 17:3-5

The glory of the Lord is like beautiful colorful brightness.   Eze 1:26-28

He has the brightness of God's glory.   Heb 1:1-4

At the transfiguration, Jesus' face shone like the sun.  He was able to converse with Moses and Elijah.  Luke 9:28-32,   Matt 17:2-3

Jesus appeared to Paul in light.  Acts 9:3-4,   Acts 26:12-15

In his revelation, John describes Jesus as having eyes like fire, feet like fine brass, voice like many waters, and a countenance like the sun shining in its strength.  Rev 1:13-18,  Rev 19:11-16

Christ's resurrected body had flesh and bones and was able to eat.   Luke 24:36-43

He walked.  Luke 24:15-16

He was able to vanish from sight and enter locked rooms.   Luke 24:25-32,   John 20:19-20,  John 20:26-29

He will never die again.  Rom 6:9

 

OUR FUTURE GLORIOUS BODY

Although we do not know exactly what our new bodies will be like, we know that they will be like His Christ's glorious body.  1 John 3:2-3   (See Our Lord's Glorious Body)

Each of our bodies will be different and will differ in glory.  1 Cor 15:35-58

Christ will be glorified in us.   2 Thes  1:10-12

We will be glorified together.  The present sufferings in this world cannot be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.  Rom 8:16-20

Our glory will be that of our Lord Jesus.  2 Thes  2:14-15    (See Our Lord's Glorious Body)

We will reflect His glory.  2 Cor 3:17-18   (see also Ex 34:29-35 where Moses' face may have been reflecting God's glory)

God's people will be beautiful, sparkling like jewels in a crown.  Zec 9:16-17,  Mal 3:16-17

The righteous will shine as the sun in His kingdom.   Matt 13:43

We will shine like the brightness of the firmament and like the stars.   Dan 12:2-3

 

OUR PROPER RESPONSE

We should earnestly desire to be clothed in our heavenly bodies.  2 Cor 5:1-5

We should be confident and walk by faith not by sight, knowing that while we are at home in this body, we are absent from the Lord.  2 Cor 5:6-7

Therefore, we should make it our goal to please God.  2 Cor 5:6-11

We should eagerly wait with perseverance for the redemption of our bodies, even though we cannot see them now.  Rom 8:23-25

We should seek insight and desire to lead others to God so that they, too, can be partake in God's righteousness.  Dan 12:2-3

We should keep our focus on the better resurrection - even to the point of receiving torture.  Heb 11:35

We should be ready to suffer for Christ.   Rom 8:16-20

We should love one another fervently with a pure heart.  1 Pet 1:22-23   (See Love)

We should stand firm, holding on to what we have been taught.  2 Thes 2:14-15

Because we will have incorruptible, glorified, powerful and spiritual bodies, we should be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor 15:35-58

We should fear the Lord and meditate on His name.   Mal 3:16-17

We should reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God and not let sin reign in our mortal body but rather live to God.   Rom 6:6-12

 

OTHER EXAMPLES

Moses' face would shine after talking with God (we too will talk directly with God, presumably more intimately than Moses did at Mt. Sinai).   Ex 34:29-35

Job knew that after "his skin is destroyed," he would see God.  Job 19:25-27

God promised to make Zerubbabel like a signet ring.  Hag 2:20-23

At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were able to converse with Christ.   Luke 9:28-32,   Matt 17:2-3

Daniel saw a vision of a man whose face was like the appearance of lightning, eyes like torches, and arms and feet like bronze.   Dan 10:4-9  

An angel was described as having a countenance like lightning and clothes as white as snow.  Matt 28:2-5

In his revelation, John describes an angel as having a rainbow on his head, his face like the sun, and feet like pillars of fire.   Rev 10:1

 

OLD TESTAMENT ONLY

Our new bodies will be created by God.   Psalm 104:28-31

Our new bodies will be like our Lord's glorious body.  Psalm 17:15

The glory of the Lord is like beautiful colorful brightness.   Eze 1:26-28

God's people will be beautiful, sparkling like jewels in a crown.  Zec 9:16-17,  Mal 3:16-17

We will shine like the brightness of the firmament and like the stars.   Dan 12:2-3

Daniel saw a vision of a man whose face was like the appearance of lightning, eyes like torches, and arms and feet like bronze.   Dan 10:4-9

We will speak a pure language that we may be able to call on the name of the Lord and serve Him.  Zeph 3:8-9

People who currently have physical disabilities will not have them in their new bodies.  Isaiah 35:3-5

We should seek insight and desire to lead others to God so that they, too, can be partake in God's righteousness.  Dan 12:2-3

We should fear the Lord and meditate on His name.   Mal 3:16-17

Moses' face would shine after talking with God (we too will talk directly with God, presumably more intimately than Moses did at Mt. Sinai).   Ex 34:29-35

Job knew that after "his skin is destroyed," he would see God.  Job 19:25-27

God promised to make Zerubbabel like a signet ring.  Hag 2:20-23

Read this article at - http://www.heaven.to/contents/new_bodies.htm