A beautiful mind has no hate, and brings forth a perfect love.
- Teachings of Mother 3 -
♡ Christ Ahnsahnghong&Jerusalem Mother ♡
♡ Christ Ahnsahnghong&Jerusalem Mother ♡
2009년 10월 27일 화요일
2009년 10월 20일 화요일
Biblical Characters - Paul
Paul was in prison frequently, was flogged severely, was stoned, was in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger in the country, in danger at sea and in danger from false brothers. He knew hunger and thirst, often went without sleep and food, and was cold and naked (2 Co 11:23-27).
Besides everything else, Paul was concerned for all the churches [saints] that he had to take care of (2 Co 11:28-29).
He once took the lead in persecuting the Christians, but afterwards he became a Christian and preached to the Gentiles as an apostle.
1. Birthplace
Paul was born in Tarsus of Cilicia in Asia Minor (Ac 21:39; 22:3). He was called Saul before he was converted to Christianity (Ac 7:55-58).
2. Education
He was trained in the law under Gamaliel who was a famous teacher of the law at that time (Ac 22:3).
3. Persecution and conversion
When the Jews stoned Deacon Stephen to death, Paul gave approval to his death. He opposed the Early Church, dragging off the Christians in prison (Ac 1-3).
Once He was on the way to Damascus to seize the Christians. When Saul [Paul] neared Damascus on his journey, he lost his sight by a light from heaven which flashed around him. He heard a voice, "Now get up and go into the city [Damascus]." He was baptized there and began to preach the gospel (Ac 9:1-18).
4. Paul as a Christian
Paul persecuted the Christians so severly when he was in Judaism that the Christians doubted him even after his baptism. However he testified that Jesus is the Christ even harder and met the Apostles in Jerusalem, avoiding the Jews who tried to kill him (Ac 9:19-30). Afterwards he preached the gospel in many pagan regions.
5. The preaching of Paul
Paul lived for preaching. He didn't stop proclaiming that "Jesus is the Christ," and His resurrection. His life of preaching is a great example for us.
Paul wrote in his letter, "Yet when I preach the gospel … Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Co 9:16). This shows the absolute necessity of the gospel and his firm belief in the gospel.
After his conversion, his whole life was for the gospel. Wherever he went, many people returned to God and many churches were established. It was not by his own ability, but by the power of God whom he depended on absolutely.
Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Berea, Rome, Ephesus, Troas, Philippi …
The regions Paul went to preach were countlessly many and the pains, persecution and distress he experienced during the preaching journey were countless as well.
Paul was in prison frequently, was flogged severely, was stoned, was in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers; he knew hunger and thirst, often went without sleep and food and was cold and naked (2 Co 11:23-27).
Besides everything else, Paul was concerned for all the churches [saints] that he had to take care of (2 Co 11:28-29).
He saw many visions and revelations and was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell as well. But the Christ gave him a thorn [probably a disease] of Satan in his flesh and made him not be proud.
Three times he pleaded with God to take it away from him. But when he heard God saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," (2 Co 12:9) he was more glad.
6. Our resolution
When we preach the gospel of God, we don't preach it with our ability. When we preach the gospel with the absolute faith that Christ will give us ability, we will surely bear abundant fruit like Paul.
Some might hesitate to preach, thinking, "I don't have ability," "I have no knowledge," but such thoughts are of those who try to preach the gospel with his own ability.
The word of Christ given to Paul, a great preacher, "My power is made perfect in weakness," was not only for Paul, but also for all the brothers and sisters of Zion in the new covenant of Christ.
Now let us blow the trumpet of the gospel, believing in the power and help of the Holy Spirit and the Bride, our Savior.
Besides everything else, Paul was concerned for all the churches [saints] that he had to take care of (2 Co 11:28-29).
He once took the lead in persecuting the Christians, but afterwards he became a Christian and preached to the Gentiles as an apostle.
1. Birthplace
Paul was born in Tarsus of Cilicia in Asia Minor (Ac 21:39; 22:3). He was called Saul before he was converted to Christianity (Ac 7:55-58).
2. Education
He was trained in the law under Gamaliel who was a famous teacher of the law at that time (Ac 22:3).
3. Persecution and conversion
When the Jews stoned Deacon Stephen to death, Paul gave approval to his death. He opposed the Early Church, dragging off the Christians in prison (Ac 1-3).
Once He was on the way to Damascus to seize the Christians. When Saul [Paul] neared Damascus on his journey, he lost his sight by a light from heaven which flashed around him. He heard a voice, "Now get up and go into the city [Damascus]." He was baptized there and began to preach the gospel (Ac 9:1-18).
4. Paul as a Christian
Paul persecuted the Christians so severly when he was in Judaism that the Christians doubted him even after his baptism. However he testified that Jesus is the Christ even harder and met the Apostles in Jerusalem, avoiding the Jews who tried to kill him (Ac 9:19-30). Afterwards he preached the gospel in many pagan regions.
5. The preaching of Paul
Paul lived for preaching. He didn't stop proclaiming that "Jesus is the Christ," and His resurrection. His life of preaching is a great example for us.
Paul wrote in his letter, "Yet when I preach the gospel … Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Co 9:16). This shows the absolute necessity of the gospel and his firm belief in the gospel.
After his conversion, his whole life was for the gospel. Wherever he went, many people returned to God and many churches were established. It was not by his own ability, but by the power of God whom he depended on absolutely.
Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Berea, Rome, Ephesus, Troas, Philippi …
The regions Paul went to preach were countlessly many and the pains, persecution and distress he experienced during the preaching journey were countless as well.
Paul was in prison frequently, was flogged severely, was stoned, was in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers; he knew hunger and thirst, often went without sleep and food and was cold and naked (2 Co 11:23-27).
Besides everything else, Paul was concerned for all the churches [saints] that he had to take care of (2 Co 11:28-29).
He saw many visions and revelations and was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell as well. But the Christ gave him a thorn [probably a disease] of Satan in his flesh and made him not be proud.
Three times he pleaded with God to take it away from him. But when he heard God saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," (2 Co 12:9) he was more glad.
6. Our resolution
When we preach the gospel of God, we don't preach it with our ability. When we preach the gospel with the absolute faith that Christ will give us ability, we will surely bear abundant fruit like Paul.
Some might hesitate to preach, thinking, "I don't have ability," "I have no knowledge," but such thoughts are of those who try to preach the gospel with his own ability.
The word of Christ given to Paul, a great preacher, "My power is made perfect in weakness," was not only for Paul, but also for all the brothers and sisters of Zion in the new covenant of Christ.
Now let us blow the trumpet of the gospel, believing in the power and help of the Holy Spirit and the Bride, our Savior.
Teachings of Mother - 2
When we give glory to God,
the glory returns to us.
Teachings of Mother 2
♡ Christ Ahnsahnghong & Jerusalem Mother ♡
2009년 10월 19일 월요일
Blessing of Passover
Being freed from sin through the Passover
In order to go back to the kingdom of heaven, lost because of our sins, we must first be forgiven for our sins. The Passover is the truth of God, through which we can have the forgiveness of our sins and can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 4: 17-21 『The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him..."He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind..."... and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."』
Some may ask who men are captive to. Jesus freed His people from their sins and from the devil's power through His precious blood, the blood of the Passover Lamb.
Rom 6:22 『But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.』
The history of the Israelites-who entered the desert after being emancipated from Egypt, through the blood of the Passover lamb-reveals that in the New Testament times, the people who eat the flesh of Jesus, the Passover lamb, and drink His blood will enter the spiritual desert, after being freed from their sins (1 Cor. 10:1-12).
The last plagues and the Passover
It is only through the Passover that we can be saved from God's last plagues.
Matt. 24:37-39 『"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."』
1 Thess. 5:1-3 『Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.』
The most urgent thing now is for us to listen to the news of salvation. Let's study the verses in the Bible that show us how we can escape the last disaster. The earth will surely meet its doomsday, either by a world war or by God's mighty power. There are many prophecies in the Bible concerning the end of the age. Whoever absolutely believes and follows the prophecies will be saved.
If anyone does not believe the message of salvation, he cannot obtain eternal life, even though he may try to seek salvation by his own means (such as making an underground shelter, going to another planet by rocket, fleeing to a peaceful country, or hiding himself within an atomic submarine under a North Pole iceberg). These are merely temporary methods to hide from danger. In regard to this, some prophets prophesied as follows:
Zeph. 1:18 『Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath.』
Amos 9:2-4 『"Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they are driven into exile by their enemies, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good."』
Now, the time has come to study and to follow the way of salvation, according to God's guidance, displayed in the prophecies of the Bible, instead of seeking man's ways. In order to give salvation to those who believe in the prophecies, God has allowed the history of ancient times as a shadow, revealing what will happen in the end of the age.
Ex. 12:12-14 『"On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn-both men and animals-and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD-a lasting ordinance."』
In Hebrews 11:28, it is written, "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel." This means that no destructive plague was brought upon the houses where the blood of the Passover lamb had been sprinkled, because it became a sign.
God's last plagues will be brought upon this sinful world. At that moment, who on earth can escape? Can't the people who have the blood of Jesus, who have celebrated the Passover, escape? The power of the Passover will be revealed when the last plagues are brought upon the earth. Those who have not celebrated the Passover will regret it, and they will face God's wrath and punishment.
Christ Ahnsahngong, who restored the Passover of the New Covenant
The Passover was abolished at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. At that time, the Passover completely disappeared from the world. Who on earth can have eternal life as the truth of life was abolished? Therefore, Jesus said that He would come a second time to restore the Passover.
Heb. 9:28 『...so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.』
Ahnsahnghong restored the Passover of the new covenant that had been abolished by Satan. Then, who do you think Ahnsahnghong is?
Isa. 25:6-9 『On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."』
Ahnsahnghong, who restored the Passover of the new covenant, is the Second Coming Christ-God-who appeared in accordance with all of the prophecies of the Bible. The saints of the Early Church had cherished and celebrated the Passover of the new covenant! Christ Ahnsahnghong came in the flesh and restored the Passover so that we may be saved from the impending plagues. The Passover of the new covenant is the very gospel of Christ.
In order to go back to the kingdom of heaven, lost because of our sins, we must first be forgiven for our sins. The Passover is the truth of God, through which we can have the forgiveness of our sins and can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 4: 17-21 『The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him..."He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind..."... and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."』
Some may ask who men are captive to. Jesus freed His people from their sins and from the devil's power through His precious blood, the blood of the Passover Lamb.
Rom 6:22 『But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.』
The history of the Israelites-who entered the desert after being emancipated from Egypt, through the blood of the Passover lamb-reveals that in the New Testament times, the people who eat the flesh of Jesus, the Passover lamb, and drink His blood will enter the spiritual desert, after being freed from their sins (1 Cor. 10:1-12).
The last plagues and the Passover
It is only through the Passover that we can be saved from God's last plagues.
Matt. 24:37-39 『"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."』
1 Thess. 5:1-3 『Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.』
The most urgent thing now is for us to listen to the news of salvation. Let's study the verses in the Bible that show us how we can escape the last disaster. The earth will surely meet its doomsday, either by a world war or by God's mighty power. There are many prophecies in the Bible concerning the end of the age. Whoever absolutely believes and follows the prophecies will be saved.
If anyone does not believe the message of salvation, he cannot obtain eternal life, even though he may try to seek salvation by his own means (such as making an underground shelter, going to another planet by rocket, fleeing to a peaceful country, or hiding himself within an atomic submarine under a North Pole iceberg). These are merely temporary methods to hide from danger. In regard to this, some prophets prophesied as follows:
Zeph. 1:18 『Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath.』
Amos 9:2-4 『"Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they are driven into exile by their enemies, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good."』
Now, the time has come to study and to follow the way of salvation, according to God's guidance, displayed in the prophecies of the Bible, instead of seeking man's ways. In order to give salvation to those who believe in the prophecies, God has allowed the history of ancient times as a shadow, revealing what will happen in the end of the age.
Ex. 12:12-14 『"On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn-both men and animals-and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD-a lasting ordinance."』
In Hebrews 11:28, it is written, "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel." This means that no destructive plague was brought upon the houses where the blood of the Passover lamb had been sprinkled, because it became a sign.
God's last plagues will be brought upon this sinful world. At that moment, who on earth can escape? Can't the people who have the blood of Jesus, who have celebrated the Passover, escape? The power of the Passover will be revealed when the last plagues are brought upon the earth. Those who have not celebrated the Passover will regret it, and they will face God's wrath and punishment.
Christ Ahnsahngong, who restored the Passover of the New Covenant
The Passover was abolished at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. At that time, the Passover completely disappeared from the world. Who on earth can have eternal life as the truth of life was abolished? Therefore, Jesus said that He would come a second time to restore the Passover.
Heb. 9:28 『...so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.』
Ahnsahnghong restored the Passover of the new covenant that had been abolished by Satan. Then, who do you think Ahnsahnghong is?
Isa. 25:6-9 『On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."』
Ahnsahnghong, who restored the Passover of the new covenant, is the Second Coming Christ-God-who appeared in accordance with all of the prophecies of the Bible. The saints of the Early Church had cherished and celebrated the Passover of the new covenant! Christ Ahnsahnghong came in the flesh and restored the Passover so that we may be saved from the impending plagues. The Passover of the new covenant is the very gospel of Christ.
The origin of the Passover & God's promise
When Christians are asked, "Have you received salvation?" they reply, "Yes," but if they are asked, "Do you celebrate the Passover?" most of them will hesitate in answering. Actually, no one can be said to be "saved" without knowing about the Passover.
The Church of God is the only church in the world that celebrates the Passover of the new covenant on the fourteenth day of the first month-by sacred year-as was written in the Bible (Lev. 23:4). The Church of God can celebrate the Passover because the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, has restored the Passover that Jesus established two thousand years ago.
The Passover is one of the most important feasts that God has granted because God promised to give us the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life through the Passover.
Also, by celebrating the Passover, we can escape from all disasters. Even in the Old Testament times, there was a marked difference between the people who celebrated the Passover and the people who did not. Those who did not celebrate the Passover were always destroyed.
In other words, if we do not celebrate the Passover, we cannot have the forgiveness of our sins or eternal life, nor can we be saved from the last disasters. The Church of God, that believes in the prophecies of the Bible, celebrates the Passover-the truth of the Early Church, following the teachings of Christ Ahnsahnghong.
The origin of the Passover
God chose Moses and used him to bring about the emancipation of the Israelites, who had groaned under their Egyptian slavery for 430 years.
When Moses was eighty years old, God commanded him to ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go; however, Pharaoh refused and he became even more rebellious against God, afflicting the Israelites more severely. God was enraged and brought plagues upon the whole land of Egypt: the plagues of blood, of frogs, of flies...of darkness. The heart of Pharaoh became more hardened and he stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go. God allowed Pharaoh's heart to become hardened so that He could judge Egypt.
Through the tenth plague, God decided to kill every firstborn of Egypt-both men and animals-and appointed the fourteenth day of the first month, by sacred year. God didn't want the firstborn of the Israelites to die along with the firstborn of the Egyptians, so He ordered the Israelites to put the blood of a year-old lamb on their doorframes and housetops.
Ex. 12:1-14 『..."The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect ...Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight...This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover...The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD-a lasting ordinance."』
The blood of the lamb became the sign of God's people, and the destroying angels passed over the Israelites' houses, where the blood had been painted. This day was called the Passover, meaning that the disaster would "pass over."
On that day, the Israelites put the lamb's blood on their doorframes, ate its roasted meat, and prepared to go on a journey. That night, as the Israelites waited, loud wailing could be heard. All of the firstborn of Egypt-including the firstborn of Pharaoh-were killed.
During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them to leave Egypt. The Egyptians, who had suffered all kinds of plagues, wanted the Israelites to leave quickly and gave them articles of silver and gold, even clothing.
The Passover was the day when God freed the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt. This was a shadow of the things to come. In the New Testament times, the Passover is the only feast through which God's people can receive the forgiveness of their sins and can be saved from all disasters.
God promised to give us eternal life through the Passover
All men desire to have eternal life, but men cannot give it. Just as God saved the Israelites during the Exodus, only God is able to give us salvation and eternal life.
1 John 5: 20 『We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.』
Then, how will God grant us eternal life? God gives us salvation through the blood of Christ (1 Cor. 5:7), represented, during the time of the Exodus, by the blood of the Passover lamb.
John 6:53-55 『Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink."』
Jesus promised that the bread of the Passover was His flesh, and that the wine of the Passover was His blood.
Matt. 26:17-28 『...So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover...While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."』
The reason why we want to receive the flesh and blood of Jesus-given to us through the Passover-is because Jesus, who is life, promised that when we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we will live forever.
Since Jesus said, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53), how can we receive eternal life unless we celebrate the Passover?
Jesus called the Passover the new covenant.
Luke 22:7-20 『Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed...When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."...And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."』
Jesus promised to give us eternal life through the Passover of the new covenant.
The Church of God is the only church in the world that celebrates the Passover of the new covenant on the fourteenth day of the first month-by sacred year-as was written in the Bible (Lev. 23:4). The Church of God can celebrate the Passover because the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, has restored the Passover that Jesus established two thousand years ago.
The Passover is one of the most important feasts that God has granted because God promised to give us the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life through the Passover.
Also, by celebrating the Passover, we can escape from all disasters. Even in the Old Testament times, there was a marked difference between the people who celebrated the Passover and the people who did not. Those who did not celebrate the Passover were always destroyed.
In other words, if we do not celebrate the Passover, we cannot have the forgiveness of our sins or eternal life, nor can we be saved from the last disasters. The Church of God, that believes in the prophecies of the Bible, celebrates the Passover-the truth of the Early Church, following the teachings of Christ Ahnsahnghong.
The origin of the Passover
God chose Moses and used him to bring about the emancipation of the Israelites, who had groaned under their Egyptian slavery for 430 years.
When Moses was eighty years old, God commanded him to ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go; however, Pharaoh refused and he became even more rebellious against God, afflicting the Israelites more severely. God was enraged and brought plagues upon the whole land of Egypt: the plagues of blood, of frogs, of flies...of darkness. The heart of Pharaoh became more hardened and he stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go. God allowed Pharaoh's heart to become hardened so that He could judge Egypt.
Through the tenth plague, God decided to kill every firstborn of Egypt-both men and animals-and appointed the fourteenth day of the first month, by sacred year. God didn't want the firstborn of the Israelites to die along with the firstborn of the Egyptians, so He ordered the Israelites to put the blood of a year-old lamb on their doorframes and housetops.
Ex. 12:1-14 『..."The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect ...Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight...This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover...The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD-a lasting ordinance."』
The blood of the lamb became the sign of God's people, and the destroying angels passed over the Israelites' houses, where the blood had been painted. This day was called the Passover, meaning that the disaster would "pass over."
On that day, the Israelites put the lamb's blood on their doorframes, ate its roasted meat, and prepared to go on a journey. That night, as the Israelites waited, loud wailing could be heard. All of the firstborn of Egypt-including the firstborn of Pharaoh-were killed.
During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them to leave Egypt. The Egyptians, who had suffered all kinds of plagues, wanted the Israelites to leave quickly and gave them articles of silver and gold, even clothing.
The Passover was the day when God freed the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt. This was a shadow of the things to come. In the New Testament times, the Passover is the only feast through which God's people can receive the forgiveness of their sins and can be saved from all disasters.
God promised to give us eternal life through the Passover
All men desire to have eternal life, but men cannot give it. Just as God saved the Israelites during the Exodus, only God is able to give us salvation and eternal life.
1 John 5: 20 『We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.』
Then, how will God grant us eternal life? God gives us salvation through the blood of Christ (1 Cor. 5:7), represented, during the time of the Exodus, by the blood of the Passover lamb.
John 6:53-55 『Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink."』
Jesus promised that the bread of the Passover was His flesh, and that the wine of the Passover was His blood.
Matt. 26:17-28 『...So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover...While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."』
The reason why we want to receive the flesh and blood of Jesus-given to us through the Passover-is because Jesus, who is life, promised that when we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we will live forever.
Since Jesus said, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53), how can we receive eternal life unless we celebrate the Passover?
Jesus called the Passover the new covenant.
Luke 22:7-20 『Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed...When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."...And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."』
Jesus promised to give us eternal life through the Passover of the new covenant.
Teachings of Mother - 1
It is more blessed to give love than to receive, as God always gives love.
Teachings of Mother - 1
♡ Christ Ahnsahnghong & Jerusalem Mother ♡
2009년 10월 15일 목요일
Sabbath -2
Jesus and His Apostles Kept the Sabbath
The Old Testament is a shadow and a copy of the New Testament. Thus, the law of the Old Testament was a shadow of the good things that were to come in the New Testament times (Heb. 10:1). The Sabbath day in the Old Testament was called "the Sabbath of Jehovah" (Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12), while the Sabbath day in the New Testament was called "the Sabbath of Jesus" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5).
The Sabbath day, according to the Old Testament law, was only a copy; the Sabbath day of the new covenant, kept in Christ, is the reality. In the New Testament times, the apostles kept the Sabbath day by worshiping God in spirit and in truth, following Jesus Christ's example. Jesus kept the Sabbath as His custom.
Luke 4:16 『He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom....』
In the New Testament times, the Sabbath day is referred to as "Jesus' [the Lord's] day" because the true Lord of the Sabbath is Jesus Christ. "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5). The apostles kept the Sabbath day as the "Lord's [Jesus'] day."
Rev. 1:10 『On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit...』
As the times of the Old Testament passed away and the New Testament times began, the way in which God's people were to keep the Sabbath day was changed; however, the day the Sabbath was to be commemorated was never changed. (In the Old Testament times, God's people offered burnt offerings and could not even kindle a fire in their houses, while in New Testament times, people worshipped God in spirit and in truth.) The day itself could not be changed because it was on the seventh day that God had rested from all of His creating work. The apostles kept the Sabbath day as their custom, reasoning from the Scriptures as follows:
Acts 17:2 『As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures...』
Acts 20:6-7 『But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread...』
As it is written in the above verses, the apostles kept the Sabbath day.
It is proven throughout the Scriptures that the Sabbath day?the seventh day, Saturday, Jesus' day?was kept until the apostolic age. So why do so many present-day Christians hold services on Sunday [the first day] and not on the Sabbath day? According to history, Sunday service originated from pagan sun-god worship. The Romans had been worshiping the sun god on the first day [Sunday], recognizing it as "the day of the sun," even before the birth of Jesus.
The Sabbath Was Changed to Sunday
After the apostles died, Christianity spread to western regions, including Rome. The gospel was preached to sun-god worshipers, and in the early 4th century, even the Roman emperor had heard the message of Christ. The emperor happened to be a leader of the sun-god worshipers, and when he converted to Christianity, many sun-god worshipers began to attend Church. As time passed, the faith of the Christians weakened, and they began to accept the customs of the sun-god worshipers. During this turn-over, they even began to rest and to worship on the first day of the week [Sunday]. In A.D. 321, Constantine, a Roman emperor, decreed an edict:
"All judges, city-people and craftsmen shall rest on the venerable day of the Sun."
Some argue that the abolishment of the Sabbath compelled many people to convert to Christianity, but we must not forget that altering God's commandments was Satan's scheme. Satan, the devil, opposes God and has historically harassed God's people, using various methods.
He tried to destroy the Church of God through severe persecution. But, taking a close look at history, the more that God's people were persecuted, the more that they depended on God. When Satan changed his methods of persecution, however, and praised the Church, he tempted the Christians to combine their faiths together. They were given back the properties that had been taken from them, ministers were exempted from military service, and the Church was even given the right to emancipate slaves. Through all of these outwardly positive changes to the Church, the Christians unwittingly fell into Satan's schemes and knelt down before him. They turned their backs away from God, like an ignorant bear who doesn't realize that his gallbladder is going to be stolen, only focusing on the sweet candy he is being tempted with.
God clearly said that only he who does the will of God can enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21-23). Which day should we worship God to please Him, Sunday which most people keep, or the Sabbath, Saturday, which God commanded His people to keep? It is unnecessary to reveal the answer, because the Sabbath day is clearly Saturday.
The Church of God Established by God
The Church of God, established by God, does not follow man-made rules, only God's laws. They recognize that no one is able to give salvation except God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Jesus already revealed that those who follow the laws of men cannot be saved.
Mark 7:6-9 『He [Jesus] replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"』
The Church of God was established on the foundation of the apostles who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it has not changed since its inception. The true Church follows the laws which Jesus and the apostles observed.
No matter how many members a church has, if the church has different doctrines than those of Jesus Christ, it could not have originated from Jesus. We keep the Sabbath day?the memorial day of the Creator?not observing the law of the Old Testament, but following the law of the new covenant which Jesus and the apostles obeyed.
The saints, who will be saved on the last day, the day of God's judgment, are those who follow in Jesus' footsteps. The Sabbath day, one of Christ's footmarks, is a very precious commandment of God.
The Old Testament is a shadow and a copy of the New Testament. Thus, the law of the Old Testament was a shadow of the good things that were to come in the New Testament times (Heb. 10:1). The Sabbath day in the Old Testament was called "the Sabbath of Jehovah" (Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12), while the Sabbath day in the New Testament was called "the Sabbath of Jesus" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5).
The Sabbath day, according to the Old Testament law, was only a copy; the Sabbath day of the new covenant, kept in Christ, is the reality. In the New Testament times, the apostles kept the Sabbath day by worshiping God in spirit and in truth, following Jesus Christ's example. Jesus kept the Sabbath as His custom.
Luke 4:16 『He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom....』
In the New Testament times, the Sabbath day is referred to as "Jesus' [the Lord's] day" because the true Lord of the Sabbath is Jesus Christ. "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5). The apostles kept the Sabbath day as the "Lord's [Jesus'] day."
Rev. 1:10 『On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit...』
As the times of the Old Testament passed away and the New Testament times began, the way in which God's people were to keep the Sabbath day was changed; however, the day the Sabbath was to be commemorated was never changed. (In the Old Testament times, God's people offered burnt offerings and could not even kindle a fire in their houses, while in New Testament times, people worshipped God in spirit and in truth.) The day itself could not be changed because it was on the seventh day that God had rested from all of His creating work. The apostles kept the Sabbath day as their custom, reasoning from the Scriptures as follows:
Acts 17:2 『As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures...』
Acts 20:6-7 『But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread...』
As it is written in the above verses, the apostles kept the Sabbath day.
It is proven throughout the Scriptures that the Sabbath day?the seventh day, Saturday, Jesus' day?was kept until the apostolic age. So why do so many present-day Christians hold services on Sunday [the first day] and not on the Sabbath day? According to history, Sunday service originated from pagan sun-god worship. The Romans had been worshiping the sun god on the first day [Sunday], recognizing it as "the day of the sun," even before the birth of Jesus.
The Sabbath Was Changed to Sunday
After the apostles died, Christianity spread to western regions, including Rome. The gospel was preached to sun-god worshipers, and in the early 4th century, even the Roman emperor had heard the message of Christ. The emperor happened to be a leader of the sun-god worshipers, and when he converted to Christianity, many sun-god worshipers began to attend Church. As time passed, the faith of the Christians weakened, and they began to accept the customs of the sun-god worshipers. During this turn-over, they even began to rest and to worship on the first day of the week [Sunday]. In A.D. 321, Constantine, a Roman emperor, decreed an edict:
"All judges, city-people and craftsmen shall rest on the venerable day of the Sun."
Some argue that the abolishment of the Sabbath compelled many people to convert to Christianity, but we must not forget that altering God's commandments was Satan's scheme. Satan, the devil, opposes God and has historically harassed God's people, using various methods.
He tried to destroy the Church of God through severe persecution. But, taking a close look at history, the more that God's people were persecuted, the more that they depended on God. When Satan changed his methods of persecution, however, and praised the Church, he tempted the Christians to combine their faiths together. They were given back the properties that had been taken from them, ministers were exempted from military service, and the Church was even given the right to emancipate slaves. Through all of these outwardly positive changes to the Church, the Christians unwittingly fell into Satan's schemes and knelt down before him. They turned their backs away from God, like an ignorant bear who doesn't realize that his gallbladder is going to be stolen, only focusing on the sweet candy he is being tempted with.
God clearly said that only he who does the will of God can enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21-23). Which day should we worship God to please Him, Sunday which most people keep, or the Sabbath, Saturday, which God commanded His people to keep? It is unnecessary to reveal the answer, because the Sabbath day is clearly Saturday.
The Church of God Established by God
The Church of God, established by God, does not follow man-made rules, only God's laws. They recognize that no one is able to give salvation except God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Jesus already revealed that those who follow the laws of men cannot be saved.
Mark 7:6-9 『He [Jesus] replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"』
The Church of God was established on the foundation of the apostles who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it has not changed since its inception. The true Church follows the laws which Jesus and the apostles observed.
No matter how many members a church has, if the church has different doctrines than those of Jesus Christ, it could not have originated from Jesus. We keep the Sabbath day?the memorial day of the Creator?not observing the law of the Old Testament, but following the law of the new covenant which Jesus and the apostles obeyed.
The saints, who will be saved on the last day, the day of God's judgment, are those who follow in Jesus' footsteps. The Sabbath day, one of Christ's footmarks, is a very precious commandment of God.
Sabbath -1
The Church of God, that has received the Second Coming Christ Ahnsahnghong, keeps the Sabbath on Saturday, according to the Bible. The seventh-day Sabbath is the day on which God rested from creating the heavens and the earth. Most Christians are mistaken as to what day the seventh-day Sabbath is, believing it to be Sunday, even though the Bible testifies that the Sabbath is Saturday. And they do not keep the Sabbath day, being bound to their customs, even though they realize that the Sabbath is actually Saturday.
The Bible warns us not to add or subtract even the smallest letter from the Bible.
Rev. 22:18-19 『I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.』
The Day to Commemorate God the Creator
The Sabbath day is "a memorial day honoring the Creator, who made the heavens and the earth," and is also "a day of rest." God created the heavens and the earth in six days and then rested on the seventh day from all of His work, even blessing this day.
Gen. 2:1-3 『Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.』
In the time of Moses, God commanded His people, in the fourth commandment of the Ten Commandments, to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." God explained the purpose for keeping the Sabbath by saying, "In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" (Ex. 20:11). The seventh day was the day that God, the Creator, had blessed and it was the day that God's people were given to commemorate God's authority. God's people, who worshiped the Creator, kept the Sabbath day as their holy day. God gave His people the Sabbath as the sign by which God would recognize them as His people (Ezek. 20:11-17; Isa. 56:1-7).
The Sabbath day is to be a day of worshiping and of offering sacrifices to God, rather than simply a day of rest. God blessed those who kept the Sabbath day and brought great punishment and disaster upon those who did not keep the Sabbath day.
Jer. 17:24-27 『"But if you are careful to obey me, declares the LORD...keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it,...this city will be inhabited forever.... But if you do not obey me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying any load as you come through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gates of Jerusalem that will consume her fortresses."』
The Sabbath Day Is Saturday
Today, we refer to the days of the week as 'Sundaay, Monday, Tuesday,' and no longer 'the first day, the second day, the third day.' Our present-day system was developed in Rome where people decided to call the first day of the week 'Sunday,' the second day 'Monday,' the third day 'Tuesday,' and the seventh day 'Saturday.'
1) A calendar week has seven days; Sunday is the first day and Saturday is the seventh day.
2) Think about the word. "Weekend." Which day does the 'end' of the 'week' indicate?
3) Even in the dictionary, Sunday is defined as 'the first day of the week,' and Saturday as 'the seventh day of the week.'
4) The Bible also testifies that the seventh day, the Sabbath day, is Saturday.
Mark 16:9 (When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week...)
Jesus resurrected on the first day of the week. No one argues that Jesus resurrected on Sunday-the 'first day of the week'-which is why all Christians now celebrate Resurrection Day on Sunday. In the Good News Bible, this verse is written, 'After Jesus rose from death early on Sunday...'
Since the first day of the week is Sunday, what day is the seventh day? Through the Bible, we can confirm that the Sabbath day is Saturday.
The Bible warns us not to add or subtract even the smallest letter from the Bible.
Rev. 22:18-19 『I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.』
The Day to Commemorate God the Creator
The Sabbath day is "a memorial day honoring the Creator, who made the heavens and the earth," and is also "a day of rest." God created the heavens and the earth in six days and then rested on the seventh day from all of His work, even blessing this day.
Gen. 2:1-3 『Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.』
In the time of Moses, God commanded His people, in the fourth commandment of the Ten Commandments, to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." God explained the purpose for keeping the Sabbath by saying, "In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" (Ex. 20:11). The seventh day was the day that God, the Creator, had blessed and it was the day that God's people were given to commemorate God's authority. God's people, who worshiped the Creator, kept the Sabbath day as their holy day. God gave His people the Sabbath as the sign by which God would recognize them as His people (Ezek. 20:11-17; Isa. 56:1-7).
The Sabbath day is to be a day of worshiping and of offering sacrifices to God, rather than simply a day of rest. God blessed those who kept the Sabbath day and brought great punishment and disaster upon those who did not keep the Sabbath day.
Jer. 17:24-27 『"But if you are careful to obey me, declares the LORD...keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it,...this city will be inhabited forever.... But if you do not obey me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying any load as you come through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gates of Jerusalem that will consume her fortresses."』
The Sabbath Day Is Saturday
Today, we refer to the days of the week as 'Sundaay, Monday, Tuesday,' and no longer 'the first day, the second day, the third day.' Our present-day system was developed in Rome where people decided to call the first day of the week 'Sunday,' the second day 'Monday,' the third day 'Tuesday,' and the seventh day 'Saturday.'
1) A calendar week has seven days; Sunday is the first day and Saturday is the seventh day.
2) Think about the word. "Weekend." Which day does the 'end' of the 'week' indicate?
3) Even in the dictionary, Sunday is defined as 'the first day of the week,' and Saturday as 'the seventh day of the week.'
4) The Bible also testifies that the seventh day, the Sabbath day, is Saturday.
Mark 16:9 (When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week...)
Jesus resurrected on the first day of the week. No one argues that Jesus resurrected on Sunday-the 'first day of the week'-which is why all Christians now celebrate Resurrection Day on Sunday. In the Good News Bible, this verse is written, 'After Jesus rose from death early on Sunday...'
Since the first day of the week is Sunday, what day is the seventh day? Through the Bible, we can confirm that the Sabbath day is Saturday.
2009년 10월 13일 화요일
About the East
The Bible prophesies that when Jesus comes to the earth for a second time, He will come in a cloud [in the flesh] in the same way He came for the first time. Therefore, there must be prophecies which testify where He will appear in His second coming. At the time of His first coming, it had been prophesied that Jesus would come from Bethlehem. Like this, the Bible also prophesies about where He will appear in His second coming. The Bible prophesies that He will be born in Korea, located in the east, at the ends of the earth.
The Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, was born, in the flesh, in Korea-the land in the east-in 1948, according to the prophecies of the Bible. How can we not bow down before God when every word of His prophecy is accomplished? We, the members of the Church of God, believe what is written in the Bible. We sincerely hope that you may recognize the Second Coming Christ, of whom the Bible prophesies.
Korea, the Country in the East, at the Ends of the Earth
Isa. 24:15-16 『Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: "Glory to the Righteous One."』
The above prophecy reveals that God’s chosen people will give glory and praise to the God in the east. When we read this chapter from the first verse, it is clear that this prophecy is concerning the last day-the last day when God will ruin the earth’s face and will burn up all of the inhabitants. When God banishes all of the gaiety form the earth, a certain group of people will shout for joy and will give glory to God, meaning that God would guide His chosen people on the last day, from the east.
Then, where is "the east"? First, we have to know the point of origin. Isaiah prophesied from the country of Israel. Thus, "the east" must be a land east of Israel: Asia. Among the countries in Asia, which country is located towards the east, "at the ends of the earth"? Russia is to the north, India is south, and China is Central Asia. Even Japan, though located in the east, is not a land at the ends of the earth-it is in the middle of the sea.
It is only Korea that is located in the east, at the ends of the earth. Thus, the Second Coming Christ is prophesied to come from Korea, in the east, at the ends of the earth. In accordance with the prophecy, Christ Ahnsahnghong came from Korea. The Church of God, departing from the fixed ideas of men, received Ahnsahnghong as the Second Coming Christ because He has fulfilled all of the prophecies about Jesus’ second coming. Everything stems from the boundless grace and love of God Ahnsahnghong.
God Will Come From the East
Isa. 41:2 『"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him..."』
The above verse states that God "has stirred up one from the east." Since it is prophesied that kings are subdued before "the one," he must be a man of great power. Then, who is "the one"? If we read the same chapter, beginning in verse four, we can come to know who "the one" is.
Isa. 41:4 『"Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD-with the first of them and with the last-I am he."』
The one whom God "has stirred up" is God, Himself. This prophecy means that God Himself will come in the flesh, from the east. "The one" who came in fulfillment of this prophecy is God Ahnsahnghong.
In chapter 46 of the same book, Isaiah, it is written:
Isa. 46:11 『From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.』
The prophet Isaiah recorded again about "the one" who would arise from the east, from a far-off land. In the Bible, a bird of prey-or, an eagle-represents God (Deut. 32:11; Ex. 19:4). Since this "bird of prey" coming from the east is described as a man who would fulfill God’s purpose, it is very clear that God, Himself, would come from the east as a man, in the flesh. The one who fulfilled this prophecy is God Ahnsahnghong.
Korea: The Holy Land
Although Israel was a small country 2,000 years ago, it was the holy land where God had chosen to come from. Likewise, although Korea is a small country at the ends of the east, it is a holy land, appointed as the place where God would come for a second time.
How blessed are those in the east, those who are saved from the consuming fire of God on the last day! The Bible says that these blessed souls will give glory to the God in the east, shouting for joy.
Don’t you want to belong to the group of people who will be saved on the last day, those who have received the Second Coming Christ Ahnsahnghong? He came from Korea, in the east, in accordance with the prophecy. Please break your fixed ideas and listen to the quiet, but strong, voice speaking to your soul. Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, is calling to you.
The Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, was born, in the flesh, in Korea-the land in the east-in 1948, according to the prophecies of the Bible. How can we not bow down before God when every word of His prophecy is accomplished? We, the members of the Church of God, believe what is written in the Bible. We sincerely hope that you may recognize the Second Coming Christ, of whom the Bible prophesies.
Korea, the Country in the East, at the Ends of the Earth
Isa. 24:15-16 『Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: "Glory to the Righteous One."』
The above prophecy reveals that God’s chosen people will give glory and praise to the God in the east. When we read this chapter from the first verse, it is clear that this prophecy is concerning the last day-the last day when God will ruin the earth’s face and will burn up all of the inhabitants. When God banishes all of the gaiety form the earth, a certain group of people will shout for joy and will give glory to God, meaning that God would guide His chosen people on the last day, from the east.
Then, where is "the east"? First, we have to know the point of origin. Isaiah prophesied from the country of Israel. Thus, "the east" must be a land east of Israel: Asia. Among the countries in Asia, which country is located towards the east, "at the ends of the earth"? Russia is to the north, India is south, and China is Central Asia. Even Japan, though located in the east, is not a land at the ends of the earth-it is in the middle of the sea.
It is only Korea that is located in the east, at the ends of the earth. Thus, the Second Coming Christ is prophesied to come from Korea, in the east, at the ends of the earth. In accordance with the prophecy, Christ Ahnsahnghong came from Korea. The Church of God, departing from the fixed ideas of men, received Ahnsahnghong as the Second Coming Christ because He has fulfilled all of the prophecies about Jesus’ second coming. Everything stems from the boundless grace and love of God Ahnsahnghong.
God Will Come From the East
Isa. 41:2 『"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him..."』
The above verse states that God "has stirred up one from the east." Since it is prophesied that kings are subdued before "the one," he must be a man of great power. Then, who is "the one"? If we read the same chapter, beginning in verse four, we can come to know who "the one" is.
Isa. 41:4 『"Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD-with the first of them and with the last-I am he."』
The one whom God "has stirred up" is God, Himself. This prophecy means that God Himself will come in the flesh, from the east. "The one" who came in fulfillment of this prophecy is God Ahnsahnghong.
In chapter 46 of the same book, Isaiah, it is written:
Isa. 46:11 『From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.』
The prophet Isaiah recorded again about "the one" who would arise from the east, from a far-off land. In the Bible, a bird of prey-or, an eagle-represents God (Deut. 32:11; Ex. 19:4). Since this "bird of prey" coming from the east is described as a man who would fulfill God’s purpose, it is very clear that God, Himself, would come from the east as a man, in the flesh. The one who fulfilled this prophecy is God Ahnsahnghong.
Korea: The Holy Land
Although Israel was a small country 2,000 years ago, it was the holy land where God had chosen to come from. Likewise, although Korea is a small country at the ends of the east, it is a holy land, appointed as the place where God would come for a second time.
How blessed are those in the east, those who are saved from the consuming fire of God on the last day! The Bible says that these blessed souls will give glory to the God in the east, shouting for joy.
Don’t you want to belong to the group of people who will be saved on the last day, those who have received the Second Coming Christ Ahnsahnghong? He came from Korea, in the east, in accordance with the prophecy. Please break your fixed ideas and listen to the quiet, but strong, voice speaking to your soul. Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, is calling to you.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
The Bible prophesied that Jesus would appear a second time (Heb. 9:28). Ahnsahnghong-whom the Church of God believes in as their Savior-is Jesus who has come a second time, according to the prophecy.
Then, when is Jesus prophesied to come a second time? Why does the Church of God believe that the Second Coming Christ is Ahnsahnghong?
Through the parable of the fig tree, Jesus revealed that He would come for the second time in 1948, when Israel-represented as the fig tree-would gain its independence. Ahnsahnghong came in 1948 according to the prophecy of the fig tree, so the Church of God believes in Him as the Second Coming Christ.
Then, does the Bible disclose when Jesus will come?
Signs of the End of the Age
When the disciples asked about the signs of Jesus’ second coming and of the end of the age, Jesus said:
Matt. 24:3-33 『"...At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, And all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on The clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door."』
Since it is written, "As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that it is near," we must come to know the timing of the fig tree and we must receive Jesus when He comes a second time.
The Fig Tree Stands for Israel
First, we must understand what the fig tree represents. As it is written,
Luke 13:6-7 『Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'"』
What does Jesus’ looking for fruit on a fig tree planted in a vineyard, for three years, mean? It means that Jesus preached the gospel to the Israelites for three years, searching for the fruit of the gospel. Therefore, the fig tree stands for Israel. Through many other Bible verses, let’s confirm that the fig tree in the vineyard represents Israel.
Isa. 5:7, KJV 『For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant.』
In the above verse also, the vineyard represents the country Israel, and the plant [the tree] stands for the people of Israel. Let’s look at another verse concerning this.
Jer. 24:5 『"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.’"』
Since it is written that God regards the exiles from Judah as the good figs, it is clear that the fig tree stands for Israel.
The Fall of Israel
In Luke 13:7, Jesus told His disciples to cut down a fig tree that had not borne any fruit. Just as He had told them, Israel-which rejected the gospel that Jesus had preached for three years-was completely destroyed by Roman soldiers in A.D. 70. Following its collapse, the people of Israel were scattered all over the world, as a stateless people, for about 1,900 years.
The Revival of the Fig Tree: Israel
After much time had passed, the fig tree-that had been cut and dried up-began to revive. Its twigs got tender and its leaves came out. When did all of this happen? The revival of the fig tree occurred in 1948. On May 14, 1948, Israel proclaimed her independence and recovered her sovereignty. The fig tree, which seemed to have completely died, revived. At that time, Jesus came for a second time, as was prophesied. He was Christ Ahnsahnghong, whom every Christian had been waiting for. The Church of God received Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Jesus, as Savior.
Rom. 11:26 『And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob."』
Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Jesus, came from Zion in 1948, as had been prophesied in the parable of the fig tree. Now He is calling you. Will you let Him stand at your door, or will you open the door and receive Him?
We earnestly hope that you will open your door and receive Ahnsahnghong-the Second Coming Jesus-and be given the promise of salvation.
Then, when is Jesus prophesied to come a second time? Why does the Church of God believe that the Second Coming Christ is Ahnsahnghong?
Through the parable of the fig tree, Jesus revealed that He would come for the second time in 1948, when Israel-represented as the fig tree-would gain its independence. Ahnsahnghong came in 1948 according to the prophecy of the fig tree, so the Church of God believes in Him as the Second Coming Christ.
Then, does the Bible disclose when Jesus will come?
Signs of the End of the Age
When the disciples asked about the signs of Jesus’ second coming and of the end of the age, Jesus said:
Matt. 24:3-33 『"...At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, And all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on The clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door."』
Since it is written, "As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that it is near," we must come to know the timing of the fig tree and we must receive Jesus when He comes a second time.
The Fig Tree Stands for Israel
First, we must understand what the fig tree represents. As it is written,
Luke 13:6-7 『Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'"』
What does Jesus’ looking for fruit on a fig tree planted in a vineyard, for three years, mean? It means that Jesus preached the gospel to the Israelites for three years, searching for the fruit of the gospel. Therefore, the fig tree stands for Israel. Through many other Bible verses, let’s confirm that the fig tree in the vineyard represents Israel.
Isa. 5:7, KJV 『For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant.』
In the above verse also, the vineyard represents the country Israel, and the plant [the tree] stands for the people of Israel. Let’s look at another verse concerning this.
Jer. 24:5 『"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.’"』
Since it is written that God regards the exiles from Judah as the good figs, it is clear that the fig tree stands for Israel.
The Fall of Israel
In Luke 13:7, Jesus told His disciples to cut down a fig tree that had not borne any fruit. Just as He had told them, Israel-which rejected the gospel that Jesus had preached for three years-was completely destroyed by Roman soldiers in A.D. 70. Following its collapse, the people of Israel were scattered all over the world, as a stateless people, for about 1,900 years.
The Revival of the Fig Tree: Israel
After much time had passed, the fig tree-that had been cut and dried up-began to revive. Its twigs got tender and its leaves came out. When did all of this happen? The revival of the fig tree occurred in 1948. On May 14, 1948, Israel proclaimed her independence and recovered her sovereignty. The fig tree, which seemed to have completely died, revived. At that time, Jesus came for a second time, as was prophesied. He was Christ Ahnsahnghong, whom every Christian had been waiting for. The Church of God received Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Jesus, as Savior.
Rom. 11:26 『And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob."』
Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Jesus, came from Zion in 1948, as had been prophesied in the parable of the fig tree. Now He is calling you. Will you let Him stand at your door, or will you open the door and receive Him?
We earnestly hope that you will open your door and receive Ahnsahnghong-the Second Coming Jesus-and be given the promise of salvation.
2009년 10월 6일 화요일
Cloud and Flesh
The Bible prophesies that Jesus will come on a cloud, for a second time, in order to restore the lost truth and to lead the children of God into the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus came two thousand years ago, He fulfilled the prophecy of the book of Daniel by "coming with the clouds of heaven" (Dan. 7:13-14). Actually, Jesus came as a man, in the flesh. Jesus is prophesied to come a second time on the clouds of heaven, meaning that He will come as a man, in the flesh, again.
Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, has come in the flesh, fulfilling the prophecies of the Bible. When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels asked the people, "Why do you stand here looking at the sky?" The members of the Church of God are not looking up into the sky, and are not waiting for the second coming of Jesus. We have already received the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, who has come in the flesh according to the prophecies of the Bible. The Church eagerly preaches to the people who are still looking up at the clouds of the sky, informing them that their Savior, Christ, has already come.
We truly wish that all of the readers will open their hearts, will study the words of truth, and will receive the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, who guides us to salvation.
Luke 21:27-28 『"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."』
The Son of Man Will Come in a Cloud
At first, we need to carefully study Jesus’ first coming, because He was also prophesied to come in a cloud. If this prophecy meant that He would come in a physical cloud of the sky, the people who do not believe will fall into destruction. But if this prophecy meant that He would come in the flesh-and not on an actual cloud-then those who insist on His coming on a physical cloud of the sky will be destroyed.
When Jesus came for the first time, 2,000 years ago, the Pharisees were aware that Elijah would come before the Messiah (Matt. 17:10-13; cf. Matt. 11:14). Elijah had gone up to heaven in a whirlwind, riding a chariot of fire (2 Kin. 2:11), so the priests, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, all believed that the Elijah to come would also come down from heaven in a chariot of fire-the same way that he had gone up to heaven. Because of their incorrect beliefs, they failed to receive Elijah-John the Baptist?and persecuted him; thus, they were all destroyed. While they eagerly looked forward to Elijah’s coming in a chariot of fire, Elijah-John-had already been born, as a child, through the body of Elizabeth (Luke 1:57-66).
All of the evildoers who had waited for Elijah’s coming in a chariot of fire were destroyed. This is God’s warning to us. In the last days, the people who believe that Jesus will come in a physical cloud of the sky will be destroyed.
We should be careful not to follow the Pharisees’ example, and make every effort to study the prophecies of Jesus’ coming in a cloud. The Bible says, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near," and, "He will send his angels...and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
Most Christians assume that when Jesus comes in a cloud, as the Judge, the earth will be destroyed and the "saved" will be caught in the air to meet Jesus. The Bible says, however, that "when these things begin to take place [when the Son of Man comes in a cloud], stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." The Bible also says that when Jesus comes in a cloud He will gather His elect from the four winds.
In other words, the purpose of Jesus’ coming in a cloud for a second time is not to destroy the earth, but to gather the elect. In order to be recognized as the elect, we must receive the Second Coming Christ who comes in a cloud.
"Cloud" Means "Flesh"
We need to know the correct interpretation of the "cloud." If the prophecy refers to a cloud of the sky, where would Jesus stay until He came in a cloud? A cloud is visible water vapor, floating above the earth. It accumulates in the air and comes down as rain or snow; this is the cycle of a cloud. Then, where would Jesus stay until He came in a cloud? Let’s find out the symbolic meaning of the cloud, through the Bible.
Heb. 12:1 『Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...』
Jude 1:12 『These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm-shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind...』
In the above expressions-"a great cloud of witnesses," and, "clouds without rain, blown along by the wind"-the clouds represent people, wearing the flesh. Since the Bible calls false prophets "clouds without rain," whom do "clouds with rain" represent? Those "with rain" are the true prophets, aren’t they?
The water within the clouds represents the water of life.
Zech. 14:8 『On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea...』
And Jesus said:
John 7:37-39 『On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.』
And the Apostle Peter said:
2 Pet. 2:17 『These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.』
"Springs without water" and "mists driven by a storm" indicate false Christians. As you know, "mists" are "clouds without rain" (Jude 1:12). The waters that have not been vaporized represent all human beings, everyone in the flesh.
Rev. 17:15 『The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.』
Since the waters represent "peoples," whom do the clouds stand for? Clouds are suspended in the air, visible collections of water particles that have been vaporized by solar heat. Thus, clouds represent the people who have been born again through the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ coming in a cloud means His coming in the flesh.
Jesus, Who Came With the Clouds
In a vision, the prophet Daniel saw the Son of Man coming with the clouds, and he prophesied:
Dan. 7:13-14 『In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.』
Jesus did not come on the visible clouds of heaven. Instead, He was born as a baby through the body of Mary. Some argue that the above prophecy is concerning Jesus’ second coming. Daniel’s prophecy is speaking of Jesus’ first coming, undoubtedly, because the prophecy states, "He was given authority, glory and sovereign power [a kingdom, KJV]; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him." Matthew and Luke disclosed that, in His first coming, Jesus had been given all authority, in heaven and on earth, as well as a kingdom.
Matt. 28:18 『Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."』
Luke 22:29 『"And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,"』
The Bible prophesied that Jesus’ first coming would be with the clouds, and yet He came in the flesh. Therefore, the prophecy of His second coming, in a cloud, also reveals that He will secretly come in the flesh, doesn’t it? There is an undeniable prophecy: "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matt. 24:34-35).
Then, how long will "this generation" be? Almost two thousand years have passed since Jesus spoke these words. Has the generation not yet passed? In regard to one generation, the Bible says:
Ps. 90:10 『The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength...』
Therefore "this generation" can only be interpreted as the time period within which the Son of Man comes in a cloud for the second time and gathers His elect from all sides.
The Last Judgment Will Be When Jesus Comes With Fire
When Jesus comes as the Last Judge, He is to come with fire, not on a cloud. The prophet Isaiah testified that on the last day Jesus would come with fire. As it is written:
Isa. 66:15-16 『See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men and many will be those slain by the LORD.』
And the Apostle Paul wrote:
2 Thess. 1:7-8 『This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.』
Heb. 12:29 『...for our "God is a consuming fire."』
Matt. 24:30 『They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.』
Luke 17:22 『..."The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it."』
In other words, we will be able to see Jesus when He comes in a cloud, but we will not see Jesus when He comes with fire. Jesus also said that He wouldn’t find faith on the earth when He came on a cloud for the second time.
Luke 18:8 『"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"』
If there is no one who has faith at the time Jesus comes, who can be saved? The Bible says:
Matt. 24:31 『"And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."』
In accordance with the prophecies of Jesus’ coming in a cloud, again, to gather His elect from the four winds, Jesus has come for a second time and is presently gathering His elect from the four winds. The one who has fulfilled all of these prophecies is Christ Ahnsahnghong.
We truly hope that you will be able to recognize the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, through studying the prophecies of the Bible so that you may receive salvation.
Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, has come in the flesh, fulfilling the prophecies of the Bible. When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels asked the people, "Why do you stand here looking at the sky?" The members of the Church of God are not looking up into the sky, and are not waiting for the second coming of Jesus. We have already received the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, who has come in the flesh according to the prophecies of the Bible. The Church eagerly preaches to the people who are still looking up at the clouds of the sky, informing them that their Savior, Christ, has already come.
We truly wish that all of the readers will open their hearts, will study the words of truth, and will receive the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, who guides us to salvation.
Luke 21:27-28 『"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."』
The Son of Man Will Come in a Cloud
At first, we need to carefully study Jesus’ first coming, because He was also prophesied to come in a cloud. If this prophecy meant that He would come in a physical cloud of the sky, the people who do not believe will fall into destruction. But if this prophecy meant that He would come in the flesh-and not on an actual cloud-then those who insist on His coming on a physical cloud of the sky will be destroyed.
When Jesus came for the first time, 2,000 years ago, the Pharisees were aware that Elijah would come before the Messiah (Matt. 17:10-13; cf. Matt. 11:14). Elijah had gone up to heaven in a whirlwind, riding a chariot of fire (2 Kin. 2:11), so the priests, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, all believed that the Elijah to come would also come down from heaven in a chariot of fire-the same way that he had gone up to heaven. Because of their incorrect beliefs, they failed to receive Elijah-John the Baptist?and persecuted him; thus, they were all destroyed. While they eagerly looked forward to Elijah’s coming in a chariot of fire, Elijah-John-had already been born, as a child, through the body of Elizabeth (Luke 1:57-66).
All of the evildoers who had waited for Elijah’s coming in a chariot of fire were destroyed. This is God’s warning to us. In the last days, the people who believe that Jesus will come in a physical cloud of the sky will be destroyed.
We should be careful not to follow the Pharisees’ example, and make every effort to study the prophecies of Jesus’ coming in a cloud. The Bible says, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near," and, "He will send his angels...and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
Most Christians assume that when Jesus comes in a cloud, as the Judge, the earth will be destroyed and the "saved" will be caught in the air to meet Jesus. The Bible says, however, that "when these things begin to take place [when the Son of Man comes in a cloud], stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." The Bible also says that when Jesus comes in a cloud He will gather His elect from the four winds.
In other words, the purpose of Jesus’ coming in a cloud for a second time is not to destroy the earth, but to gather the elect. In order to be recognized as the elect, we must receive the Second Coming Christ who comes in a cloud.
"Cloud" Means "Flesh"
We need to know the correct interpretation of the "cloud." If the prophecy refers to a cloud of the sky, where would Jesus stay until He came in a cloud? A cloud is visible water vapor, floating above the earth. It accumulates in the air and comes down as rain or snow; this is the cycle of a cloud. Then, where would Jesus stay until He came in a cloud? Let’s find out the symbolic meaning of the cloud, through the Bible.
Heb. 12:1 『Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...』
Jude 1:12 『These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm-shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind...』
In the above expressions-"a great cloud of witnesses," and, "clouds without rain, blown along by the wind"-the clouds represent people, wearing the flesh. Since the Bible calls false prophets "clouds without rain," whom do "clouds with rain" represent? Those "with rain" are the true prophets, aren’t they?
The water within the clouds represents the water of life.
Zech. 14:8 『On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea...』
And Jesus said:
John 7:37-39 『On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.』
And the Apostle Peter said:
2 Pet. 2:17 『These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.』
"Springs without water" and "mists driven by a storm" indicate false Christians. As you know, "mists" are "clouds without rain" (Jude 1:12). The waters that have not been vaporized represent all human beings, everyone in the flesh.
Rev. 17:15 『The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.』
Since the waters represent "peoples," whom do the clouds stand for? Clouds are suspended in the air, visible collections of water particles that have been vaporized by solar heat. Thus, clouds represent the people who have been born again through the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ coming in a cloud means His coming in the flesh.
Jesus, Who Came With the Clouds
In a vision, the prophet Daniel saw the Son of Man coming with the clouds, and he prophesied:
Dan. 7:13-14 『In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.』
Jesus did not come on the visible clouds of heaven. Instead, He was born as a baby through the body of Mary. Some argue that the above prophecy is concerning Jesus’ second coming. Daniel’s prophecy is speaking of Jesus’ first coming, undoubtedly, because the prophecy states, "He was given authority, glory and sovereign power [a kingdom, KJV]; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him." Matthew and Luke disclosed that, in His first coming, Jesus had been given all authority, in heaven and on earth, as well as a kingdom.
Matt. 28:18 『Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."』
Luke 22:29 『"And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,"』
The Bible prophesied that Jesus’ first coming would be with the clouds, and yet He came in the flesh. Therefore, the prophecy of His second coming, in a cloud, also reveals that He will secretly come in the flesh, doesn’t it? There is an undeniable prophecy: "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matt. 24:34-35).
Then, how long will "this generation" be? Almost two thousand years have passed since Jesus spoke these words. Has the generation not yet passed? In regard to one generation, the Bible says:
Ps. 90:10 『The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength...』
Therefore "this generation" can only be interpreted as the time period within which the Son of Man comes in a cloud for the second time and gathers His elect from all sides.
The Last Judgment Will Be When Jesus Comes With Fire
When Jesus comes as the Last Judge, He is to come with fire, not on a cloud. The prophet Isaiah testified that on the last day Jesus would come with fire. As it is written:
Isa. 66:15-16 『See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men and many will be those slain by the LORD.』
And the Apostle Paul wrote:
2 Thess. 1:7-8 『This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.』
Heb. 12:29 『...for our "God is a consuming fire."』
Matt. 24:30 『They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.』
Luke 17:22 『..."The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it."』
In other words, we will be able to see Jesus when He comes in a cloud, but we will not see Jesus when He comes with fire. Jesus also said that He wouldn’t find faith on the earth when He came on a cloud for the second time.
Luke 18:8 『"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"』
If there is no one who has faith at the time Jesus comes, who can be saved? The Bible says:
Matt. 24:31 『"And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."』
In accordance with the prophecies of Jesus’ coming in a cloud, again, to gather His elect from the four winds, Jesus has come for a second time and is presently gathering His elect from the four winds. The one who has fulfilled all of these prophecies is Christ Ahnsahnghong.
We truly hope that you will be able to recognize the Second Coming Christ, Ahnsahnghong, through studying the prophecies of the Bible so that you may receive salvation.
The Savior of Each Age and the New Name
For our salvation, God divided six thousand years into three ages : the age of the Father, the age of the Son, and the age of the Holy Spirit, and He allowed a different Savior’s name for each of these ages-the name of Jehovah in the age of the Father, the name Jesus in the age of the Son, and the name Ahnsahnghong in the age of the Holy Spirit.
Now we are living during the last age of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God has been administrating His plan of salvation, using the new Savior’s name, the name of the Holy Spirit-Ahnsahnghong. Salvation is only given to those who believe in the name of the Savior that God has allowed to the people living in that particular age. Because we are now living in the age of the Holy Spirit, we must receive the Holy Spirit, Ahnsahnghong, as the Savior of this age.
Age of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Eccl. 3:1, KJV 『To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…』
In this world, everyone has a certain goal and purpose for their lives. Likewise, we should set a certain goal for our faith: the salvation of our souls, eternal life.
1 Pet. 1:8-9 『Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.』
In order for His people to receive salvation, God divided six thousand years into three ages, and allowed a different Savior’s name for each age.
Matt. 28:19 『"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."』
As is commonly known, the name of the Father is "Jehovah," and the name of the Son is "Jesus." Baptism is the first step that we can take towards becoming a child of God, and to be baptized correctly, we must first know the name of the Father, the name of the Son, and the name of the Holy Spirit.
The Savior in the Age of the Father
The most important aspect of our salvation is to know, and to receive, the name of the Savior. During the age of the Father, God granted salvation to those who believed in the name of Jehovah.
Isa. 43:11 『I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.』
In the age of the Father, salvation was dependent upon knowing and accepting the name of Jehovah. Therefore, salvation was not given to those living in the age of the Father, who either didn’t know, or who refused to accept, the name of Jehovah.
When the age of the Father ended and the age of the Son began, Jehovah came in the flesh, using the name "Jesus," as had been prophesied (Isa. 9:6-7).
The Savior in the Age of the Son
The Bible states that in the age of the Father there was no Savior apart from Jehovah, and that in the age of the Son there was no Savior apart from Jesus.
Acts 4:11-12 『"He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."』
When God gave the names of Jehovah and Jesus to the people, He did not explaine that each of these Savior’s names would only be used for a specific time period or age. Thus, many people have become confused, believing that the Bible contradicts itself.
With a full understanding of the Trinity, however, you will realize that the above verses hold no contradictions. Jesus is in His very nature God (Phil. 2:5), the very God Jehovah who granted salvation during the age of the Father. Since Jesus is, in fact, Jehovah, there is no contradiction between "There is no savior apart from Jehovah," and, "There is no other name given to men by which we must be saved (apart from the name of Jesus.)"
During each age God allowed a different name of the Savior, and thus, each age also had a specified time frame and limit. In other words, salvation was given to those who had accepted the name of Jehovah in the age of the Father, and once the age changed to the age of the Son, salvation was given to those who pressed on to know and to accept the name of Jesus.
When God gave the name Jesus to the people-the Savior’s name in the age of the Son-only those who believed and called upon the name of Jesus Christ were able to receive salvation.
The Savior in the Age of the Holy Spirit
Now we are living in the age of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God has given us a new name of the Savior.
Rev. 3:12 『"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name."』
Rev. 2:17 『"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."』
A "white stone with a new name written on it" is mentioned in the above verse. In this instance, the stone represents Jesus (1 Pet. 2:4), meaning that a new name other than the name of Jesus would be given to the people of that age.
Just as salvation was withheld from those who were stuck on the name of Jehovah and failed to receive Jesus as their Savior in the age of the Son (Rom. 15:4), salvation will never be given to those who are stuck on the name of Jesus in this age.
Those who had accepted the name of Jehovah for 3,500 years were not able to accept the name of Jesus in the age of the Son. Only the disciples accepted Jesus, the Savior in the age of the Son, who had come as prophesied. The Bible prophesied that there would be a Savior in the age of the Son. Even though Jesus came in fulfillment of all these prophecies, the people insisted on believing in only Jehovah, following their own ideas instead of Bible's prophecy. Where are all of the people who lived in the age of the Son and who refused to accept Jesus as their Savior?
We must consider this matter carefully and break our own fixed ideas, allowing our minds to accept God’s thoughts. The Bible testifies that there will undoubtedly be a name for the Savior of the Holy Spirit’s age. We need to understand God’s providence of salvation-His allowing a different Savior’s name for each age-and we need to accept Christ Ahnsahnghong, the Savior’s name in this age of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ new name.
Witness, Prayer, and Salvation in Each Age
Once we come to understand the time limitations of each age, it is very easy for us to understand how each age affected the salvation of God’s people. In the age of the Father, people were the witnesses of Jehovah (Isa. 43:10), they prayed in the name of Jehovah, and salvation was promised only through the name of Jehovah (Joel 2:32).
Once the age of the Son had begun, how did the people, who were to receive salvation, act? Did they insist on praying in the name of Jehovah as the witnesses of Jehovah, believing that they could only be saved through the name of Jehovah? Jesus’ disciples became the witnesses of Jesus (Acts 1:6), they prayed in the name of Jesus (John 16:24), and they received salvation only by believing the name of Jesus (Rom. 10:9).
Then, in the age of the Holy Spirit, of what name should we become the witnesses, what name should we use when we pray, and what name has the authority to give us salvation?
The name is Ahnsahnghong, Jesus’ new name (John 5:39).
Everyone living in this last age of the Holy Spirit! Christ Ahnsahnghong is the Savior of this age! Today, salvation is only given through the name of Christ Ahnsahnghong, and only those who are the witnesses of Christ Ahnsahnghong and pray in His name will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please believe in Christ Ahnsahnghong, our Savior in the age of the Holy Spirit, so that you may receive eternal life!
Now we are living during the last age of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God has been administrating His plan of salvation, using the new Savior’s name, the name of the Holy Spirit-Ahnsahnghong. Salvation is only given to those who believe in the name of the Savior that God has allowed to the people living in that particular age. Because we are now living in the age of the Holy Spirit, we must receive the Holy Spirit, Ahnsahnghong, as the Savior of this age.
Age of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Eccl. 3:1, KJV 『To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…』
In this world, everyone has a certain goal and purpose for their lives. Likewise, we should set a certain goal for our faith: the salvation of our souls, eternal life.
1 Pet. 1:8-9 『Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.』
In order for His people to receive salvation, God divided six thousand years into three ages, and allowed a different Savior’s name for each age.
Matt. 28:19 『"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."』
As is commonly known, the name of the Father is "Jehovah," and the name of the Son is "Jesus." Baptism is the first step that we can take towards becoming a child of God, and to be baptized correctly, we must first know the name of the Father, the name of the Son, and the name of the Holy Spirit.
The Savior in the Age of the Father
The most important aspect of our salvation is to know, and to receive, the name of the Savior. During the age of the Father, God granted salvation to those who believed in the name of Jehovah.
Isa. 43:11 『I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.』
In the age of the Father, salvation was dependent upon knowing and accepting the name of Jehovah. Therefore, salvation was not given to those living in the age of the Father, who either didn’t know, or who refused to accept, the name of Jehovah.
When the age of the Father ended and the age of the Son began, Jehovah came in the flesh, using the name "Jesus," as had been prophesied (Isa. 9:6-7).
The Savior in the Age of the Son
The Bible states that in the age of the Father there was no Savior apart from Jehovah, and that in the age of the Son there was no Savior apart from Jesus.
Acts 4:11-12 『"He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."』
When God gave the names of Jehovah and Jesus to the people, He did not explaine that each of these Savior’s names would only be used for a specific time period or age. Thus, many people have become confused, believing that the Bible contradicts itself.
With a full understanding of the Trinity, however, you will realize that the above verses hold no contradictions. Jesus is in His very nature God (Phil. 2:5), the very God Jehovah who granted salvation during the age of the Father. Since Jesus is, in fact, Jehovah, there is no contradiction between "There is no savior apart from Jehovah," and, "There is no other name given to men by which we must be saved (apart from the name of Jesus.)"
During each age God allowed a different name of the Savior, and thus, each age also had a specified time frame and limit. In other words, salvation was given to those who had accepted the name of Jehovah in the age of the Father, and once the age changed to the age of the Son, salvation was given to those who pressed on to know and to accept the name of Jesus.
When God gave the name Jesus to the people-the Savior’s name in the age of the Son-only those who believed and called upon the name of Jesus Christ were able to receive salvation.
The Savior in the Age of the Holy Spirit
Now we are living in the age of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God has given us a new name of the Savior.
Rev. 3:12 『"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name."』
Rev. 2:17 『"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."』
A "white stone with a new name written on it" is mentioned in the above verse. In this instance, the stone represents Jesus (1 Pet. 2:4), meaning that a new name other than the name of Jesus would be given to the people of that age.
Just as salvation was withheld from those who were stuck on the name of Jehovah and failed to receive Jesus as their Savior in the age of the Son (Rom. 15:4), salvation will never be given to those who are stuck on the name of Jesus in this age.
Those who had accepted the name of Jehovah for 3,500 years were not able to accept the name of Jesus in the age of the Son. Only the disciples accepted Jesus, the Savior in the age of the Son, who had come as prophesied. The Bible prophesied that there would be a Savior in the age of the Son. Even though Jesus came in fulfillment of all these prophecies, the people insisted on believing in only Jehovah, following their own ideas instead of Bible's prophecy. Where are all of the people who lived in the age of the Son and who refused to accept Jesus as their Savior?
We must consider this matter carefully and break our own fixed ideas, allowing our minds to accept God’s thoughts. The Bible testifies that there will undoubtedly be a name for the Savior of the Holy Spirit’s age. We need to understand God’s providence of salvation-His allowing a different Savior’s name for each age-and we need to accept Christ Ahnsahnghong, the Savior’s name in this age of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ new name.
Witness, Prayer, and Salvation in Each Age
Once we come to understand the time limitations of each age, it is very easy for us to understand how each age affected the salvation of God’s people. In the age of the Father, people were the witnesses of Jehovah (Isa. 43:10), they prayed in the name of Jehovah, and salvation was promised only through the name of Jehovah (Joel 2:32).
Once the age of the Son had begun, how did the people, who were to receive salvation, act? Did they insist on praying in the name of Jehovah as the witnesses of Jehovah, believing that they could only be saved through the name of Jehovah? Jesus’ disciples became the witnesses of Jesus (Acts 1:6), they prayed in the name of Jesus (John 16:24), and they received salvation only by believing the name of Jesus (Rom. 10:9).
Then, in the age of the Holy Spirit, of what name should we become the witnesses, what name should we use when we pray, and what name has the authority to give us salvation?
The name is Ahnsahnghong, Jesus’ new name (John 5:39).
Everyone living in this last age of the Holy Spirit! Christ Ahnsahnghong is the Savior of this age! Today, salvation is only given through the name of Christ Ahnsahnghong, and only those who are the witnesses of Christ Ahnsahnghong and pray in His name will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please believe in Christ Ahnsahnghong, our Savior in the age of the Holy Spirit, so that you may receive eternal life!
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