Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Personal From... Bitterness ── a terrible spiritual cancer


by Leonard V Johnson


Now, in this Personal, I’m going to speak with thunder. The Lord GOD Himself speaks His living word as “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” – Ephesians 6:17. All true Christians are advised in His word to take up this “sword,” as part of the whole armor of God ── to rebuke and withstand in the evil day. And this word of God is pictured as a sharp two-edged sword coming out of the mouth of Jesus Christ – the Personal Word of God – Hebrews 4:12. It corrects.

The other day, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to make an important ministerial announcement──in this Personal, I would like to add some additional thoughts –

If you’ve truly been called by Father God and placed within the Body of Christ ── if you’ve truly been converted, CHANGED ── by having received the glorious Holy Spirit, then you should no longer see things as you did before. If so, why is there such bitterness and vile hatred in your heart?

Because if this CHANGE truly took place in you so many years ago as you claim, then you should not be seeing your brethren as this world does. You should know better.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32) And BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32.

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32) He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33) The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.” – Proverbs 15:31-33.

And HERE, Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers lies the GREATEST OF DANGERS!

Bitterness ── a terrible spiritual cancer.

Sadly, we have been hearing lately some vile, putrefying, hateful things from a former spiritual mentor ── some very hurtful things that have within them traces of disgust and contempt, and I caution him concerning this.

And it’s NATURAL. Yes, natural, to a person who does not have the Spirit of God within them and about them. Because I want you to realize that self-flattery, narcissism, deceit, pretending, lack of empathy, hate, and contempt are NATURAL for a person who does not have the Spirit of God. For the carnal mind devoid of God’s Spirit is the NATURAL mind – Romans 8:7-8. The people of the world do what is NATURAL for them to do. In other words, according to human nature. So, if the Spirit of God was within and about a person ── they would not be controlled by the flesh, but by the Spirit of God which lives in them – vs. 9.

The apostle Paul went on to say, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”

It’s a spirit of lust ── with our Spirit of discernment (1 John 4:1), we plainly see the evil that this world cannot see. And, there is a spirit of rivalry that has been at work for a long while ── and if not awakened to righteousness this evil deception will continue until perishment comes. Because he refuses to receive the love of truth, that he might be saved.

Sadly, some actually preach hypocrisy! They say, “I love you!” at the end of their sermons, but they do not show love through their actions. And many yield even further to human nature, resenting any perceived enemy ── and then soon allowing that of HATING any perceived enemy to completely seize them. Also, this self-righteous attitude becomes even more. They begin to feel SUPERIOR to anyone else ── even though they will often deny it. Their work becomes a “holier-than-thou” work. Thus, the CARNAL NATURE at full display – with the unrealized sway of Satan the devil and this demon of lust enticing them to VANITY, rivalry, jealousy, and hatred ── which is a spirit of murder! – 1 John 3:15.

Of all sins ── if I were to choose one, it would be that which commits the most harm ── self-righteousness, for this, even unrealized, puts the self (the self that refuses to look at itself in a spiritual mirror) ahead of the LORD God. Breaking the very first commandment.

Sadly, the self-righteous and narcissists are the hardest of people to bring to repentance and salvation. They are so deceived ── they have come to believe that as long as they don’t “act” upon their thoughts of lust, they’ve not committed sin. Often they will have persecutory delusions that cloud their thinking. They preach up a storm concerning Luke 18:10-14, yet they are the same as this Pharisee!

They proclaim to the world that they have the fruits of the Spirit ── and that you will know those who do not! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION! The fruit of the Spirit ── love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Without love, we are nothing more than a “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1.

BEWARE OF FALSE MINISTERS

‘Wolves in sheep’s clothing,’ as our Lord Jesus calls them. Are you being misled by an innocent-looking archetype wolf?

Well, the LORD God reserves the strongest judgment for those who claim to be true Christians that are speaking for God, but are actually speaking more about themselves!

When one truly looks through the magnifying glass of God’s living word ── a wool-covered wolf cannot pass himself off as a sheep. We should expect that a false prophet will attempt, with all their heart, to look like a real one ── or what he might think is a real one. Notice what the apostle Paul wrote, under divine inspiration –

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14) And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

We should expect ── right out of the gate ── a welcoming greeting. Often we see a pleasant elderly gentleman ─ at least at first.

And this masked façade works ── at least for the first 6 minutes. Then, the façade falls away and is replaced with a hateful narcissist and self-righteous person. The pedestal they placed themselves upon begins to teeter. Their rightful “fruits” are exposed for the world to see.

Surely, if this person is preaching in the name of Jesus Christ, that is good fruit. Yes?

No. Not necessarily – according to our Lord Jesus. Notice immediately after telling us to beware of false prophets and to look at their fruits, He continued by saying, ’ Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom [from] heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.’ – Matthew 7:21.

Preaching our Lord Jesus Christ is not conclusive proof of good fruit. But doing the will of God the Father is.

’ Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? ’ [even preaching the New Covenant!] 23) And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ – vss. 22-23.

Startling as it may seem, as an example, innocent-looking grandfatherly men who are very knowledgeable in the Bible ── may not be recognized by Him as a servant of His. Because they use His name deceptively and falsely! Instead of doing the will of God the Father, they do iniquity.

EVEN INSIDE CHRIST’S CHURCH

Not all false prophets come from outside of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Church! Some were formerly faithful servants of the Church ── but over time their hearts became bitter and callused. Allowing a spirit of lust to enter into them ── and now, they have completely “slid off” the spiritual rail – the ‘straight and narrow’ path.

The apostle Paul warned the flock of Ephesus. He knew that false prophets would soon descend upon them. So he alerted the leaders to the grave dangers that both pastors and the flock would face.

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29) I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” – Acts 20:28-29, NASB.

And EVEN WORSE – “and FROM AMONG YOUR OWN SELVES men will arise, speaking perverse things [even in secret], to draw away the disciples after them.” – vs. 30.

A faithful minister would always “remember those who rule over them [past or present], who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” – Hebrews 13:7.

The apostle Paul said some would turn from serving the needs of Jesus Christ and His little flock to serving their own self-gratification and interests instead.

Even the apostle Peter warned the Church of the same danger!

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [such as removing Moses] even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

2) And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3) By covetousness [a desire for something or someone so much that you lose your contentment in God] they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” – 2 Peter 2:1-3.

Why Do They Have Followers?

Again, the apostle Peter said that many would follow the wrong way. Why do false prophets have a following?

Oftentimes it’s a simpatico relationship. In other words ── they were “wronged” by certain leaders of the Church, therefore you can relate to them. And followers who are craving peace, belonging, and security might gain a sense of those things as well as confidence through participation in the group.

False prophets have followers because the people can often relate to the false prophet having been rejected. The leader of the group provides meaning, purpose, and belonging. Offering a clear vision, and asserts superiority over the group. And, as to the leader, he will often be self-centered in personality, in trait, or behavior ── characterized by an excessive focus on oneself and one’s needs, desires, and INTERESTS, often to the exclusion or neglect of the needs and feelings of others. And true to form ── if you have been hurt by them, it’s somehow your fault, because you must have done something to deserve their wrath, or even, of being ignored. And, it’s your iniquity that has caused this mistreatment. They, however, are ultimately emotionally protected.

One can choose from thousands of different types of “Christianity.” Some are very somber. Others wild. Some are strict, others lenient. You can be bored to death, or entertained, or shouted at ── but all promise that you won’t be “lost” as long as you listen or attend regularly.

Even converted members of Christ’s Church can be led away and fall into this trap. The apostle Paul wrote Timothy –

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4) and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” – 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

False prophets respond to the itching ears of wayward sheep. The wolves entice them away with words that appeal to “their way” of thinking.

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4) he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions …”

As in saying, “No one else is teaching this!” It’s a big red flag! When someone claims exclusivity, it often leans more towards manipulation or a morbid interest in causing controversies.

“ … and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5) and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:3-5, NASB.

Why Is There Permitted False Prophets?

Why does the LORD God allow wolves to have access to certain people, or to His flock? Why doesn’t He expose them before they do any harm? Well, our Lord Jesus has His reasons.

A couple of weeks ago, I was reminded to go and read again the Autobiography of Herbert W Armstrong ── especially Volume 1 chapter 19.

Glaring at me in black and white was a truth to this question – why does the LORD God permit false prophets?
“Many times a certain individual has been used to bring us light, or truth, or help, or certain advancement or stimulus to the Work of God, only to lose out spiritually and be discarded, once his usefulness was over.”
Our Lord Jesus is confident that His true sheep will not be led astray (even for very long) by false prophets. And, referring to Himself as the Shepherd of the sheep – ’ And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5) Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.’ – John 10:4-5.

His sheep acknowledge the fact that they are servants of Him – not any ministry. They acknowledge His doctrine – ’ My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17) If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.’ – John 7:16-17.

The little flock is certain to encounter many trials and tests, tribulations ── and false prophets, and even blasphemous pastors among them.

Our Lord Jesus has warned us, ’ For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23) But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.’ – Mark 13:22-23.

Thank Almighty God, the true sheep of His pasture, who seek His leadership and His will, will not be led astray. Our Lord Jesus’ sheep will see the fake wool and run! □

Saturday, October 26, 2024

COJCOM Announcement:

I feel the Spirit of God would like me to announce:

Within this year – beginning about July – I have been wondering if perhaps the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ there in Owensboro, Kentucky had spiritually “slid off the rail.”

I had announced a couple of months ago to the OCOJC that I would no longer – after having done it for the past four years – be able to format and help publish Mike’s sermons on his YouTube channel. Plus, continue paying monthly for his website. I paid up a month on the website, giving him enough time to take over the payment. He did not.

Michael Garrett is accusing me of deleting his YouTube channel. Which I had no hand in doing. To be 100% certain, I have tried resolving these matters with those in Owensboro and have been trying to contact Michael Garrett several times. He will not answer.

Instead of speaking to me personally, he goes on camera and bashes me over the head, telling everyone that I am going to “burn in hell.” Based upon his hateful rhetoric and tone, numerous inaccurate statements, accusations, and an unwillingness to address me personally with any issues he may have with me – I have no choice but to unaffiliate ourselves with him and the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ. I wanted to bring this up to show that Michael Garrett does not have – nor is he showing – the love that Christ Jesus has.

In my view, Michael Garrett has allowed hatred and bitterness to interfere with him receiving his crown. I am greatly saddened by this development and had hoped to avoid having to make these decisions. But, God’s will be done (Matthew 6:10; 1 John 2:17).

Very shortly I will be changing the URL for our website. At the moment it is www.owensborocojc.com. Because he has accused me of stealing his church name. We are no longer affiliated with the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures that flood my mind at this moment are:

"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" - 1 John 4:20.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32.

"And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." - 1 John 4:21.

"Love one another with brotherly affection, ..." - Romans 12:10.

“Let brotherly love continue.” – Hebrews 13:1.

“ … ‘bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.’ – Matthew 5:44.

I still love, pray, and respect Michael – but I will no longer be associated with him. He hypocritically taught that he loves me – recall that at the end of his sermons, he states this – but he is not showing the fruits of the Spirit of God – the first of which that is listed is love.

The living Church of Jesus Christ’s mission is to proclaim and promote our Lord Jesus’ loving gospel message of the soon-coming kingdom of God and of the glorious work He has done in the redemption of all mankind. It is not a message of hate, bitterness, and contempt for your fellow man.

It’s of teaching the Word of God, the Truth of God, and proclaiming the ultimate Plan of God to this world, and to the lost sheep of Christ. This is the continuing mission of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries.

Thank you always for your continued love, prayers, and support! We love you and pray for you always.

Yours in Christ Jesus,








Leonard V Johnson

Letter to our Friends - October 25, 2024



Dearest and beloved Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers:

We give greetings from Spring Hill, Florida, we hope that everyone had a most wonderful Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day this year!

I was invited to be with the brethren of the Church of God Ministries in Orange Beach, Alabama, But, financially I was unable to.

We’ve been posting on our YouTube and UGETube channels the 2022 series delivered by Minister Michael C Garrett, the Feast of Tabernacles ── 2022.

Day 3. (Minister Leonard V Johnson)
Day 5. (2014)
Day 8. (2021 - Minister Leonard V Johnson)

The living word of our Creator God teaches us that we are to be “prepared for every good work” – 2 Timothy 2:21. And, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches are helping in proclaiming the glorious gospel message ── the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God! We have the booklet, “What is the Kingdom of God?” translated into two different languages – English and Spanish. In large part – to help with the final phase of the work of God, and help prepare for the “short work” as indicated in Romans 9:28. Additionally, we have this booklet translated into Kiswahili on our Soundcloud Radio channel. Certainly, additional languages will be coming.

We are continuing to go through the ’ open door’ that no one can shut – except our Lord Jesus. Revelation 3:8.

The Last Great Day ── How It Completes God’s Master Plan

“In the beginning was the Word [the Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God” – John 1:1-2.

This revelation from Jesus Christ may seem redundant to some, yet this is the knowledge that so few in this world truly grasp. The Word was a personal being; He was called “the Word.” Originally written in the Greek language, the word was Logos – which translates to Spokesman, or the One who speaks. So, this Word was with God.

God is another being. So now we have two beings. Because then Apostle John says, “and the Word was God.”

One of the greatest of mysteries of which Almighty God speaks of is the TRUTH that the God Family is in the process of expanding the God Family and “plant[ing] the heavens” – Isaiah 45:18; 51:16. And you can become a member of that eternal, spirit-composed Family!

What about the billions of “unsaved” who have lived and died since the time of Adam, nearly 6,000 years ago?

The misinformed and false doctrine of ‘going to Hell’ for the “unsaved” from professing Christianity, which the greater majority of Protestant churches teach and continues to perpetuate – the teaching of being “damned for all time” and tortured in a burning hellfire. Almighty God and Jesus Christ are neither cruel nor wishy-washy. They are merciful and love – 1 John 4:8. They are firm – Galatians 6:7. Our great GOD will give the billions of people who have ever lived and died during the last nearly 6,000 years (including the antediluvian people) a first chance to understand. They are not “lost” forever.

The glorious answer from our living God is revealed to us in the Last Great Day─ the eighth and last of the LORD God’s annual festivals─ showing us the final grand step in God’s Master Plan From the Beginning.

Is it the LORD God’s will that all who have ever lived come to the knowledge of this glorious Plan From the Beginning? 

Yes.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day [which is approximately 24 earth hours in length] is as a thousand years [again, earth years], and a thousand years as one day” to the Family of God.

So, our Lord Jesus Christ – who has been in the upper heavenly realms for nearly 1,993 earth years (counting from A.D. 30) since His glorious resurrection unto life – to Him, it feels more like two earth days.

9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that ANY should perish but that ALL come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4) who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

In our Creator's love and concern (John 3:16) for all mankind, the LORD God has planned that everyone who has ever lived and died – or will ever live and die – receive an opportunity for salvation and eternal life in the glorious Family of God. The same as all the spiritually called and begotten children of God have been given the opportunity.

Without knowing the true meaning of this Eighth Day of the LORD God’s festival, you cannot properly understand God’s Master Plan From the Beginning.

Is there an eighth day of convocation and worship immediately following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles? 

Yes.

“’ Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. 35) On the FIRST DAY there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. 36) … On the EIGHTH DAY you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.’” – Leviticus 23:33-36.

Is it a sabbath-rest

Yes.

“’ Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the FIRST DAY there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the EIGHTH DAY a sabbath-rest.’” – Verse 39.

An annual High Sabbath is observed immediately after the annual seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles. In the New Covenant – New Testament – this eighth day is called “the last day, that great day of the feast” – John 7:37.

It is clearly a separate festival.

Did the Apostle John, in vision, see a vital key to the meaning of the Last Great Day? 

Yes.

What about all the people who are not resurrected at the LAST TRUMP!? Will they remain dead forever!? Will they be resurrected merely to be flung into the “lake of fire”!? What about all the unconverted, unsaved, most vile, and wicked, who do not understand God’s living word, or have never heard of the name Jesus Christ!? The Apostle John – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit – gives us the answer to these questions –

“(But the rest of the dead did not live again UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE COMPLETED.) …” – Revelation 20:5, NET.

The first part of this verse is an afterthought and should be in parentheses. “This is the first resurrection” refers back to those in verse 4 who are raised to immortality at the LAST TRUMP – the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Again, are the unjust merely to be resurrected to be flung into the “lake of fire”!? Just what did our Lord Jesus mean when He said, “ … ‘and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of [judgment].!?

Also, who are the unjust!? Are those who died in sin really accountable for their actions in their ignorance!? Have they ever had a real chance for salvation!?

Again, verse 5 – “(But the rest of the dead …” – all people who did not know and understand God’s living word and who had never been converted – and, friends, we’re speaking of a massive group of people – practically everyone who has ever lived – who never knew the TRUTH OF GOD. Or rather, never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible. All these people, after living their lives and dying – at this time of the conclusion of the Millennial reign of Christ – are brought back to life. As human beings. “ … did not live again [would not come up in a physical resurrection] until the thousand years were finished) …”

Again, the remaining part of this verse is a continuation of verse 4. “ … This is the first resurrection.”

How does this revelation of Jesus Christ further speak of the Second Resurrection? Notice –

“THEN [“when the thousand years have expired”] I saw a great white throne …” – so, from this, we often say, the Last Great Day pictures the great white throne judgment. Now, we are taking some liberty with this verse, but it conveys a thought – it communicates an idea. “ … and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven [the atmosphere] fled away. And there was found no place for them.”

Verse 12 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. …” – now, this word “books” is biblion. And the word, “Bible” is derived from the Greek word, “Biblion”, which means book. So, this great multitude of people who were dead and have now been brought back to life – one of the first things that they will be given is a Holy Bible.

“ … And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books [the Holy Bible].”

Verse 13 – “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades …” – this word “hell” or Hades means “the grave.” “ … delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.” – based on a standard that is contained in the Holy Bible!

We’re speaking of a massive group of people – practically everyone who has ever lived – who never knew the TRUTH OF GOD. Or rather, never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible. All these people, after living their lives and dying – at this time of the conclusion of the Millennial reign of Christ – are brought back to life. As human beings. Now, how long will they remain alive!? Not necessarily a hundred years based upon an erroneous interpretation of Isaiah 65:20. Now, it might be ten years, it might be fifty years – if God wants it to be it will be a hundred years. God knows.

How did our Lord Jesus Christ refer to this time of judgment for the multiple billions of people who have yet to hear or understand – again, who never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible? Notice –

’ Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in THE DAY OF JUDGMENT than for that city!’ – Matthew 10:15. See also Matthew 11:20-24.

’ The men of Nineveh will rise up IN THE JUDGMENT with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; …’ – and they (that generation), when a Greater than Jonah had come to them, despised, rejected, and even murdered Him.

42) The queen of the South [the queen of Sheba] will rise up IN THE JUDGMENT with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; …’ – and they (that generation) when a Greater than Solomon had come to them, despised, rejected, and even murdered Him.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ mentioned Tyre – a city in Lebanon, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. He mentioned Sidon – the third-largest city in Lebanon. Nineveh in the Prophet Jonah’s time and finally the Queen of Sheba (modern historians identify Sheba with the South Arabian kingdom of Saba in present-day Yemen and Ethiopia). All of these examples of people who lived in different generations are compared to the people who were living in the cities and towns of Jesus’ generation. In which the vast majority did not understand or even believe our Lord Jesus Christ’s message from Father God. Remember… only 120 people ended up believing our Lord Jesus!

He tells us that they are to be resurrected along with the generation that was living during His human lifetime. He gave enough examples of generations that were living at different times in human history to show us that most of humanity will be alive AT THE SAME TIME ON THE EARTH. There will be pre-Flood men and women – those who lived in the generation of Adam and Eve (they were created a little over 6,000 years ago). Those who lived during the Middle and Dark Ages and the vast majority who are living now. Including unborn babies that were (and are) aborted for one reason or another will be resurrected then. They will all rise in the SECOND RESURRECTION. And books will be opened for them to understand. And eternal salvation will then be offered to them. □

Suggested Sabbath Day Service

Here is our suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered brethren and friends around the world:

• TWO songs of praise. (our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is suggested, there are some Instrumental Accompaniment to the Bible Hymnal available on our website).
• Opening prayer.
• Announcements – from the deacon or pastor.
• Sermonette – may we suggest Minister Leonard Johnson’s “We Are At War!” which is available on our Soundcloud Radio channel.
• Sermon – from the pastor or guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “Should Christians Keep Halloween?”
• Closing song. May we suggest listening to “Why Me, Lord?” by G.C. LaMar.

In case you do not receive a ‘Letter to our Friends’ for any week, remember that there are many sermon messages on the Church of Jesus Christ Online MinistriesUGETube channel. Also, we post all of our ‘Letters’ on our website: https://www.owensborocojc.com/search/label/Church%20letters.

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

The Russian Federation has been hosting the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (BRICS) conference. BRICS members encompass about 30% of the world's land surface and 45% of the global population! It includes 30 world nations and roughly 20 heads of state! (See: CNBC - Russia pushes ‘new world order’ agenda as it hosts beefed-up BRICS summit). Also, from the BBC - Putin gathers allies to show West's pressure isn’t working.

I do agree with President Donald Trump that our allies have not been paying their fair share for our military protection──and that for the last 5.4 decades our “enemy” nations have been taking advantage of the U.S. in regards to tariffs. But, I also understand that adding or increasing tariffs on our allies or “enemies” abroad will further move this world’s nations away from the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency, as well as causing additional financial woes.

The BRICS+ group of nations are working ever harder to cause this to occur! And when enough nations unite in this cause──or when the United States of America’s sovereignty is forfeited, eliminated, or destroyed──this will happen! Now, do the leaders of BRICS truly want to destroy the U.S. dollar!? 

Yes!

BRICS+ group of nations continue taking steps to dethrone the U.S. dollar!

There is a tremendous amount of things occurring around the world during this U.S. presidential election year! Many of our “enemy” nations are waiting to see who our next U.S. President will be! STRONG or WEAK!

There is coming a time when the U.S. dollar will no longer be the world reserve currency. And this──alone──will be a death blow to the economy of the USA!


As our great God – Lord Jesus Christ has told us, ’ Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.’ – Luke 21:36.

Also, in the United Kingdom──King Charles III responded rather positively to a group in Australia wanting to secede from the monarchy and establish their own republic. (See: BBC - King says a republic is up to Australian people).


Jamaica acted as if it was going to leave a few years back, but has remained. And, just last year Statista posted a chart of which nations want to leave the British Monarchy!

Notice that Australia is at the top of this chart.

The British Empire was the largest empire in human history! Notice this – also from Statista ──

“In 1913, 412 million people lived under the control of the British Empire, 23 percent of the world's population at that time. It remains the largest empire in human history and at the peak of its power in 1920, it covered an astonishing 13.71 million square miles - that's close to a quarter of the world's land area. At its height, it was described as “the empire on which the sun never sets.”


We, of course, believe that this occurred because of the promises that the Lord GOD gave to patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the sons of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim). And we hold this to be true – even though belief in this or not – is not a salvation issue. Be sure to read free online our PDF book: God’s Promises to Abraham. We also have this available in audio format on our Soundcloud Radio channel.


As revealed to us in God’s immutable word──
“ … Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11) And Israel [Jacob; his father] said to Joseph, ‘I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!’

12) So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth.

13) And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. 14) Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s hand, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15) And he blessed Joseph, and said: ‘God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, 16) The [angel of the LORD God] who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads’ Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’

17) Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18) And Joseph said to his father, ‘Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.’

19) But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.’” – Genesis 48:10, 11-19.
So, the LORD God would make the descendants of Manasseh A GREAT NATION. Other Scriptural passages proclaim and show us that Manasseh’s descendants would inherit incredible political, military, geographical, abundant natural resources, and agricultural blessings. The Eternal our God has fulfilled His promise to make Manasseh A GREAT NATION, and Ephriam A COMPANY OF NATIONS. And, world history shows us that the LORD God’s promise to Abraham began to be fulfilled around the 1800s with the American Industrial Revolution. And by the mid-20th century, the United States of America had become the most powerful and affluent nation in world history! The US's exceptional military power and prosperity are a fulfillment of the LORD God’s promise to the descendants of Manasseh.

It has also been revealed through the prophecies of the LORD God that the United Kingdom along with the United States of America would ultimately lose the pride of its power and its influence, along with a great many of our most important sea gates.

Notice these prophetic warnings which speak of this very thing──
“’ If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book [not just the Book of Deuteronomy, but the entire Holy Bible! – especially when it comes to the glorious New Covenant of our God Jesus Christ! ], that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, 59) then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues──great and prolonged plagues──and serious and prolonged sicknesses.’” – Deuteronomy 28:58-59.
Notice some of the worst outbreaks in U.S. history──Smallpox, Yellow Fever, Cholera, Scarlet Fever, Typhoid Mary, 1918 N1H1, Diphtheria, Polio, H2N2, Measles, Crypto, 2009 H1N1, Whooping Cough, HIV, and COVID19!
60) Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, …’”
Some of these were - Bilharziasis, Trachoma, Malaria, Smallpox, Pneumonia, Cancer, and Heart disease. 1

61) Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in this Book of Law, will the LORD bring upon you until you are destroyed.’”

“’ After all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19) I will break the pride of your power; …’” – Leviticus 26:18, 19.

See also: Genesis 22:17; 24:60.

Concluding Comments

Friends, in our article “Glory in Tribulations” I had quoted the apostle Paul, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4) and perseverance, character [godly character]; and character, hope” – Romans 5:3-4.

We should also learn obedience to God Almighty and Jesus Christ through our suffering – as the Book of Hebrews has the following:

“though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9) And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM, 10) called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek’” – Hebrews 5:8-10.

Let us walk and follow our Savior Jesus Christ’s example – learning obedience through our suffering – which perfected Him. Let us always strive to be perfect – through and with God’s Spirit – Matthew 5:48.

Do not – like the apostle Paul says of some – become “dull of hearing.”

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Soon Coming──God's Great White Throne Judgment!

It has been guesstimated by two separate sources that there have been roughly 117 billion people that have ever lived! Conservatively – I’m sure. What about the untold billions who have died without ever hearing about the glorious name of our Lord Jesus──or those who never knew enough of God’s living truth to be accountable? Are they “lost” – as they say – forever?

Well, today is the glorious holy day of the fall festivals──the Last Great Day! And its great meaning reveals to us the answer!

This eighth day──which is a Holy Day, is called in the New Testament, “the last day, that great day of the feast.” – John 7:37.

Have you ever thought about what this Holy Day pictures in the wonderful Master Plan of God Almighty!? The meaning is more exciting and glorious than you could ever have imagined!

Back in 2021 in a Personal of mine – I stated that there was perpetrated a lie more horrendous upon mankind than any other! That of the lie of an “immortal soul.” Lucifer – now called Satan the deceiver – has also foisted upon this present evil age a lie that the LORD God is now trying in great desperation to “save” all mankind!

And I have proved unto myself that the overall majority of so-called Christians hold to that. Which they preach from their pulpit every Sunday morning that “unless you believe in God, and unless you accept Jesus as your personal Savior (and they will often quote the likes of Romans 10:13 and exclaim – “Just believe in Jesus, and you’re saved!”) in this lifetime, then He will sentence you to a “hell fire” – a place of everlasting torture and torment! Does this “hell” actually exist? Or was it only in the mind of the likes of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri?

Now, this world’s so-called Christians also preach aggressively that if you are “saved” – if you just accept Jesus as your personal Savior – then, that you upon death waft off to heaven – which the overall majority call a “beatific vision.”

In other words – they will just lay around “playing a harp” and hope that God might reach down and scratch them behind the ear!? Albeit they preach ── if one does not know God during this lifetime, but dies in sin, he is lost forever ── doomed for all eternity!

Truly, is that what God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ have in mind for the overall majority of mankind!?

What is the LORD God’s judgment? The LORD God being the glorious family of God──which at this present age consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!

Our God – Jesus Christ – the Great Judge

The apostle Paul – under divine inspiration – wrote in the Book of Romans:

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11) For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ 12) So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:10-12.

Now, why is it that each of us must appear before our Lord Jesus Christ? “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10.

And since our Lord Jesus created His commandments that we must obey, and He is the ultimate Judge of all mankind──He tells us what is good and what is bad.

Within God’s living word – the Holy Bible – what does “judgment” mean?

The Koine Greek word for “judgment” is krisis – meaning judgment (human or divine), justice.

Sadly, the overall majority of Christians mistakenly believe that the LORD God’s judgment only has to do with judging past sins. So, according to this erroneous view, the LORD God’s judgment is not an ongoing period of judgment.

When we read, study, and meditate upon the living words of God, we need to properly understand whether the LORD God is judging mankind’s past sins or present sins. And, we certainly need to properly understand WHEN the LORD God’s judgment takes place. Is there only a one-time of judgment – or does the LORD God judge in eras of time?

The LORD God’s Master Plan for the salvation of all mankind is revealed to us through “the feasts of the LORD’! And again, the Last Great Day pictures for us just when those who have died without ever hearing about the glorious name of our Lord Jesus──or those who never knew enough of God’s living truth will be judged.

The LORD God is not now seeking to save the whole world.

At this time – within this present evil age – the LORD God is only offering eternal salvation to the living Church of God ── the begotten children of Father God, and begotten brothers and sisters to our Lord Jesus Christ. In Koine Greek – the ekklēsia. All the rest of humanity has been blinded by Satan the adversary – “the god of this age” – cf, 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9.

A vital question that I had even in my youth – why has the LORD God allowed Satan the devil to blind the world of this present age? Because, after all, it is vitally important to know the REAL JESUS! After all, no one can be saved unless and without first accepting that Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Savior of all mankind!

Our beloved apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to the rulers and the elders of Israel then – and says to us today – “’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’”

So, the people of this world who claim to be a “practicing Christian” – like Oprah Winfrey, who claims that there are “many ways” to salvation. You either believe the LORD God (Creator of heaven and earth), believe the apostle Peter – or, you don’t. Oprah, and a large majority of this world, do not believe the LORD God!

Our Lord Jesus says, “’ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6.

To be succinct – the reason that the LORD God has, for the time being, allowed Satan the deceiver to deceive the world, is to lessen the likelihood of the unpardonable sin. The Unpardonable Sin Explained. Also, that mankind might see and taste Satan the devil’s way – the way of “get,” and of lust, greed, pride, vanity ── that mankind might learn that sinning (1 John 3:4) is the way of DEATH! (cf. Deuteronomy 30:19).

This present evil age is not the LORD God’s time that the masses will understand the living Word of God, the Truth of God, or the Plan of God – as revealed to us through the living Word of God!

The Millennial Reign of Our Christ!

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious and powerful return will herald the beginning of His 1,000 Earth years of reign as our King of kings and Lord of lords! Truly, one of the greatest of meanings that the annual Feast of Tabernacles pictures! At that moment in time, Satan the devil, and his demons will be spiritually chained and shut up into the bottomless pit with a seal placed upon them for those thousand years (cf. Revelation 20:1-3).

Then, the glorious Kingdom of God will be established upon planet Earth!

And, all the resurrected saints of the LORD God ── resurrected as wholly spiritual beings ── will begin to co-rule ON EARTH with our Lord Jesus Christ! – cf. Revelation 5:10.

The prophet Daniel prophesied of this soon-coming coronation of our Lord Jesus Christ that will take place in low-earth-orbit ──

“’ I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days [God the Father], And they brought Him near before Him. 14) Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.’” – Daniel 7:13-14.

Also, “’ Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’” – vs. 27. See also: Revelation 11:15.

Speaking of a time when our Lord Jesus Christ along with His saints will begin to judge all kingdoms (as the LORD God views kingdoms) on Earth. During this Millennial Reign, the people ── under the rule of the kingdom of God ── will be given the opportunity to choose the LORD God’s government, of God’s Way of life, of receiving the glorious Spirit of God, and begin developing righteous godly character ── eventually being born-again into the family of God.

“But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. 8) He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” – Psalm 9:7-8.

The Great White Throne of Judgment!

Again ── what about the untold billions who have died without ever hearing about the glorious name of our Lord Jesus──or those who never knew enough of God’s living truth to be accountable? Did they ever truly have a chance for redemption and salvation? Truly, could a God of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and gentleness consign people who were ignorant of the gospel message to an everlasting hellfire!?

Has the LORD God actually ever judged them? No.

The untold billions of people who have ever lived never actually had a chance at eternal salvation. It was not – nor is it – the LORD God’s Plan to offer them eternal salvation ── yet.

Sadly, this world’s Christian ministry work – their “missionary” work – is based upon the misunderstanding that the churches must save as many “heathens” as possible. And this is partly why you will see Catholics pray over the dead! They, and Protestants alike, preach that if a sinner does not accept Jesus Christ and turn from their sins now – during this lifetime – then they will be “lost” forever. If this be true (and it’s not), then the LORD God has “lost” billions of people to “an eternal hellfire.”

In truth, the Creator of all life has ordained various epochs in which people shall hear ──through and by the Spirit of God ── the living Words of God (cf. Matthew 4:4) and have a real opportunity for eternal salvation.

“But beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” – 2 Peter 3:8.

So, with that being said – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” – vs. 9.

The very fact that the LORD God is not willing to lose any to eternal death – but that all will eventually come to repentance and be saved ── “in due time” (cf. 1 Timothy 2:3-6).

Let us always praise the LORD God that there is revealed for us within the living Word of God, moments in time when our Lord Jesus Christ will raise from death all people who have ever lived or will live until this time!

“’ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29) and come forth ── those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of [judgment].’” – John 5:28-29.

Here speaking of Two Resurrections!

The apostle Paul also speaks of these two resurrections which take place at two separate epochs of time ──

“I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept [here speaking of the Pharisees who were judging him], that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” – Acts 24:15.

The prophet Daniel also speaks of these two resurrections ──

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.” – Daniel 12:2.

Again, speaking of two separate resurrections that will occur at different epochs of time.

They all speak of two resurrections. One is the resurrection to life, the first resurrection – see Revelation 20:4-6. The other resurrection is a resurrection unto judgment, the second resurrection. And, our Lord Jesus had a lot to say concerning this second resurrection ── e.g.

“’ Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!’” – Matthew 10:15.

“’ But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.’” – Matthew 11:22.

“’ The man of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.’” – Matthew 12:41.

This same resurrection from the dead and to judgment is spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel ── Ezekiel 37. A mighty and powerful vision that was brought upon him in the Spirit of the LORD ──

“Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12) Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13) Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.’” – Ezekiel 37:11-13.

All glory, greatness, power, and victory belong to our God! When you combine all Scripture ── here is the picture revealed:

All people who have ever lived or will ever live will have a chance for eternal salvation ── they will be resurrected unto physical life and given a chance to become a member of the glorious family of God! The second resurrection. The “Great White Throne Judgment”!

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades [the grave] delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.” – Revelation 20:11-13.

Truly, all the deceived billions will be resurrected to mortal life, will live for a certain period of time, and will be judged by God, using the living Word of God – the Holy Bible – as the standard of judgment. □

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

A Morning Bible Study - The Day of Atonement── A Great Prophetic Meaning!


by Leonard V Johnson



The LORD God’s annual feasts remind us of God’s Master Plan ── From the Beginning!

Again, the first three ‘feasts of the LORD’ ── Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, and the Day of Pentecost. They all picture events that lead to the glorious first spiritual “harvest” of Spirit-begotten children of God Born Again into the family of God ── the kingdom of God!

The fourth annual festival – the Feast of Trumpets – pictures the blowing of the seven trumpet warnings of the LORD God and the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the resurrection of His saints, and the establishment of His government── the kingdom of God── upon the Earth!

The fifth annual festival – the Day of Atonement.

Turning into the Book of Leviticus chapter 16 we see the goat slain, along with the goat (the “scapegoat”) released into the wilderness. Who, or what, do these two goats represent?

Now, one doesn’t have to fully understand Leviticus 16 to have the love of our Savior Jesus Christ to be poured out upon them, or His grace, His Spirit, His glorious promise of eternal life. Yet, a great many churches that are still deeply trenched in the Old Covenant make you think that this is the ultimate crux of the gospel of Christ. It is not!

“’ And Aaron [the high priest] shall bring the goat on which the LORD’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. 10) But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat [azazel in Hebrew── pronounced az-aw-zale'] shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness” – Leviticus 16:9-10.

“’ Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat. 16) So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17) There shall be no man in the tabernacles of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel [the congregation; the NT Church of God]. 18) And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. 19) Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel’” – Leviticus 16:15-19.

Now, it would be remiss of me not to mention something concerning the word ‘ăzā’ zēl.

According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament──
“This word appears four times in the OT, all in Lev 16 (8, 10, 26) where the ritual for the Day of Atonement is described. After the priest has made atonement for himself and his house, he is to take two goats on behalf of Israel. One is to be a sacrifice to the Lord, the other is to be the “scapegoat,” i.e. the goat for Azazel. …

The rabbinic INTERPRETATION has generally considered this word to designate THE PLACE to which the goat was sent: a desert, a solitary place, or the height from which the goat was thrown (cf. Lev 16:22).”
Continuing──
“The final POSSIBILITY is to regard this word as designating a personal being so as to balance the word “Lord.” In this way Azazel could be an evil spirit (Enoch 8:1; 10:4; cf. 2 Chr. 11:15; Isa 34:14; Rev 18:2) or even the devil himself (KD── K. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament loc. cit.), standing logically in antithesis to the Lord. However, THE ENOCH REFERENCES to Azazel as a demon ARE DOUBTLESS … Some who adopt this demon reference of Lev 16 also consider the passage to be of late authorship.” 1
Let me add here: Notice. When you go and reread and study Leviticus 16:15-19 we see that the high priest killed the first goat as a sin offering and sprinkled its blood on and before THE MERCY SEAT── making an atonement for ONLY the Holy Place, himself and his household, and the congregation of Israel── then out at the altar he springled blood and made an atonement for it. Then, he took some of the blood of the goat and bull and placed it on the horns of the altar - consecrating it FROM THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. This first goat WAS NOT a sin offering for all the children of Israel! So, even the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament is wrong!

Also, we should take note: In the book Angels A to Z regarding Azazel──
“Azazel was one of the chieftains of the two hundred fallen angels who, ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF ENOCH, came to earth to mate with mortal women (Gen. 6:2-4). …

It was only later [in their rabbinic interpretation], after the Hebrews encountered the Zoroastrian religion … [that] the rabbis seem to have identified Azazel as the Devil, …” 2
The Book of Enoch (as we have the Book of Enoch today) should not be considered inspired Scripture, but many writers of God’s living word surely found some light in the original. – ref. Jude 14-15.

Regardless of the meaning of the word azazel (because there is much confusion), God’s living word emphasizes the sufficiency and completeness of our LORD JESUS CHRIST’S sacrifice── both to “remove” our sin and to reconcile us to God the Father. John the Baptist identified our Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world –

“ … ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” – John 1:29, 36.
1) What annual Sabbath follows NINE DAYS after the Feast of Trumpets?
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 27) ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall AFFLICT YOUR SOULS, …’” – Leviticus 23:26, 27.

As we’ve pointed out so many times, this is a very poor translation. The Hebrew phrase – the root of this phrase which I have capitalized and underlined above, the meaning of it is “you shall HUMBLE yourself before the LORD your God.” Notice the New American Standard Bible version in the Key Word Hebrew-Greek Study Bible –

“ …’ It shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls …’” – Leviticus 23:27, NASB.

Returning again to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament regarding the word “afflict” ──
“(‘ānâ) III, afflict, oppress, humble. … It is to be distinguished from ‘ānâ I [which is to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout] II [which is be occupied, busied with]; IV [which is sing] … the objective state or condition of being low and/or humble. … Ugaritic [texts] attests this root with the meaning “cowed, humbled” (active) and “was humbled, punished” (passive). The Bible attests to this root over two hundred times. …

God uses affliction [that being humility] to prompt repentance; for example, the purpose of the wilderness wandering was TO HUMBLE ISRAEL (Deut 8:23). This is a recurrent theme in Scripture.” 3
Does this mean that we must fast!? A great many people say, “Yes!”

Our beloved apostle Peter was inspired by God’s Spirit to write –

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in FEAR [reverent fear and RESPECT], 18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received BY TRADITION FROM YOUR FATHERS.” – 1 Peter 1:17-18.

He is speaking of Jewish tradition. Because, if you’re going to be JEWISH, then Jewish tradition says that you must fast. In the Mishnah── an ancient collection of Jewish traditions, the Day of Atonement forbade food and drink, bathing, using oil to moisten the skin, wearing sandals, and sexual relations. Do you want to be Jewish or Christian!?

“And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.’” ─ Leviticus 23:28; see also Leviticus 16:29-31.

Are the begotten children of the LORD God commanded to assemble before Their throne on the Day of Atonement?

Yes.

“ … ‘It shall be a holy convocation for you; …’” – Leviticus 23:27.
2) How are we (the Body of Christ) to specifically observe the Day of Atonement in regard to the New Covenant in Christ?
Note: Truly, the MOST IMPORTANT area of growth you could ever have is understanding that Jesus Christ is our High Priest and we NOW live under the New Covenant and we are bound to be loyal to the Ten Commandments.

“’ It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall [humble] your souls; on the NINTH DAY of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.’” – Leviticus 23:32.

James 4:6 – This is the ultimate meaning of the Day of Atonement! HUMBLE yourselves before GOD! And how do you humble yourself before GOD!? Verse 7 - By submitting to the will of GOD. The Way of GOD. The WORD of GOD. The Plan of GOD. Verse 9 – “Lament ...” It means, at times, taking stock of who you are. Look at yourself in the spiritual mirror. Verse 10: This is the meaning of the Day of Atonement – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Humbling oneself on the Day of Atonement is a vivid reminder of the state of mind necessary for salvation.

The living word of our Lord Jesus Christ──

’ Blessed are the [humble] in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom [from] heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek [the humble], For they shall inherit the earth.’ – Matthew 5:3-5.

The humility, the godly sorrow, the earnest seeking after the LORD God and Their Way! Truly becoming submissive to Father God and His will, and the will of Jesus Christ. To “be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, …”
3) What does the word atonement mean?
“ … ‘for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.’” ─ Leviticus 23:28.

Again, the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament ──
“1023b (kippūr) (used in the plural kippūrîm) atonement, used especially in the expression “day of atonement.” 1023c (kappōret) place of atonement; KJV, “mercy seat.” …

Kippūr. Atonement. Kappōret, Mercy seat. These two nouns are derived from the verb as used in the intensive stem: The first is used today in the name … yom kippur “day of atonement” (used only in the plural in the OT) …

Kappōret, Mercy seat. … The word is derived from the root “to atone.” The Greek equivalent in the LXX [the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament in Greek] is usually hilastērion, “place or object of propitiation,” a word which is applied to Christ in Rom 3:25.” 4
To Note: Even the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary I have in my office library gave the correct answer to the definition of atonement. “obs: RECONCILIATION 2: the reconciliation of God and man through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.” 5 And, to reconcile means: “1 a: to restore to friendship or harmony.” It does not mean──set at one or to join in one - to form by uniting.

The word atonement means that Jesus Christ was our ATONEMENT! It was prophesied – we often read this during the Passover – or the Lord’s Supper – because it’s such a description of what Jesus endured, and what He did for His Church and for all people!

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [atonement] for our sins” – 1 John 4:10.

To Note: The word propitiate means: “to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of.” 6

Let us also note –

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation – Romans 5:6-11.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was the ‘atonement’ for us ── the “to restore” ── in the reconciliation with Father God.
4) Was the Old Covenant priesthood to make a special sin offering annually to atone for the Holy Place?
“’ And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, …’” – Leviticus 16:32-34.

Was this to be done on the Day of Atonement?

“’ For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.’” – verse 30.

Indeed, in the Old Covenant on the Day of Atonement, the high priest killed the first goat as a sin offering and sprinkled its blood on and before THE MERCY SEAT── making an atonement for ONLY the Holy Place, himself and his household, and the congregation of Israel── then out at the altar he springled blood and made an atonement for it. Then, he took some of the blood of the goat and bull and placed it on the horns of the altar - consecrating it FROM THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
5) Was the other goat left alive to be sent into the wilderness?
Yes.

“’ But the goat on which the lot fell to be the [‘ăzā’ zēl] shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the [‘ăzā’ zēl] into the wilderness.’” – Leviticus 16:10.

I contend that the live goat that was released into the wilderness also represented our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“’ The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; …’” – verse 22. Within God’s living word the only One attested to bearing all our iniquities is our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, as noted earlier, John 1:29, 36. Also, 1 Peter 2:24.

Not only did the first goat have an atoning role (for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel), but details that typified the live goat did as well. Notice it was prophesied──

“ … And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6.

“ … For He shall bear their iniquities.” – Isaiah 53:11.

“… And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” – Isaiah 53:12.

“’ Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head OF THE LIVE GOAT, confess over it all the iniquities OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, and all their transgressions, concerning their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man.’” ─ Leviticus 16:21.

Within that Old Covenant sacrificial system, there was only one ritual that involved an animal bearing all the sins of the people of Israel──the ‘ăzā’ zēl goat. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is identified both as never sinning and also bearing our sins. It is quite logical that there is a link between these two goats. Because WITHOUT the second goat── only half of our Lord Jesus’ atoning work is represented. The first goat for the Lord DOES NOT atone for the children of Israel── it only atoned for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel. It was only the second goat that atoned for the children of Israel.

There should be no surprise that our Lord Jesus Christ is represented by both goats. There is significant evidence which supports this.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the two Old Covenant goats of the Day of Atonement should not individually encompass the entirety of our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious work! The first goat focuses on the sin-expelling power of His death── again, for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel. Our Lord Jesus presents His blood, His sacrifice, as the PROPITATION for judgment. In addition, this first goat never took on sins as our Lord Jesus Christ does. So, the first goat can’t truly be our Lord Jesus Himself, but rather an aspect related to Him being our Savior. Likewise, the second goat should not be expected to symbolize the entire personage of our Lord Jesus Christ – we should see it rather as the sins that our Lord Jesus Christ bore for all of us.

Let this be in mind and heart as we celebrate the Day of Atonement this year── we will certainly find this inspired understanding presented in striking prophetic fulfillment! □


1 Harris L. R., Archer, L. Gleason, Jr., and Waltke K. Bruce.
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1980, #1593, pgs. 657, 658.
2 Lewis R.J., and Oliver Dorothy E., Angels A to Z, Visible Ink Press, Azazel, pgs. 62-63.
3 Ibid. 1. Pgs. 679, 682.
4 Ibid. 1, 2. Pgs. 452, 453.
5 Webster M. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, atonement, 1996, pp 73.
6 Ibid. 5. pg. 977.


Scriptual Index:

Old Testament ── Genesis 6:2-4; Leviticus 16:8, 9-10, 15, 16, 17-19, 20, 22, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32-34; 23:26, 27, 28, 32; Deuteronomy 8:23; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Isaiah 34:14; 53:6, 11, 12.
New Testament ── Matthew 5:3-5; John 1:29, 36; Romans 3:25; 5:6-11; 1 Peter 1:17-18; 2:24; 5:5; 1 John 4:10; Jude 14-15; Revelation 18:2.