For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8

Wow, do we really understand this amazing statement by the chief apostle Paul. The whole creation will be set free when God reveals his Sons?

Paul is saying that not just the earth will be set free, but all that God has created? Paul is saying that not only is the earth in the grip of bondage, but all of creation. What an epic statement by Paul.

How misunderstood is Gods plan of redemption. The heavens will also participate in this cosmic release, when God manifests his Sons and Daughters, on the day of the Lord.

Yet somewhere someone certifies, saying, “What is man, that Thou art mindful of him, Or a son of mankind, that Thou art visiting him?
Thou makes him some bit inferior to messengers, With glory and honor Thou wreathes him, And dost place him over the works of Thy hands.
All dost Thou subject underneath his feet.” For in the subjection of all to him, He leaves nothing un-subject to him. Yet now we are not as yet seeing all subject to him.
Yet we are observing Jesus, Who has been made some bit inferior to messengers (because of the suffering of death, wreathed with glory and honor), so that in the grace of God, He should be tasting death for the sake of everyone. For it became Him, because of Whom all is, and through Whom all is, in leading many sons into glory, to perfect the Inaugurator of their salvation through sufferings. Hebrews 2, 6-10

The destiny of Gods creation has been, through Christs death and resurrection, now been given to the redeemed sons and daughters of the last Adam, how amazing is this!

Now I am saying, for as much time as the enjoyer of an allotment is a minor, in nothing is he of more consequence than a slave, being master of all,
but is under guardians and administrators until the time purposed by the father.
Thus we also, when we were minors, were enslaved under the elements of the world.
Now when the full time came, God delegates His Son, come of a woman, come under law,
that He should be reclaiming those under law, that we may be getting the place of a son.
Now, seeing that you are sons, God delegates the spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying “Abba! Father!”
So that you are no longer a slave, but a son. Now if a son, an enjoyer also of an allotment from God, through Christ.
But then, indeed, having no perception of God, you were slaves of those who, by nature, are not gods. Galatians 4, 1-8

Paul is basically saying that the whole creation is in a state of slavery to the angelic creation, which God created. Paul is saying that creation is in bondage to the rulers and powers of the heavens. This is an epic statement by Paul. Its like the whole creation lives under the bondage of the angelic order of the cosmos? Not only is the earth in the grip of corruption, but also the heavens are in subjection to these powers, whom the prince of the powers of the air, has somehow, as Paul says, become the god of this eon.

This is why those we live in Christ come under such assaults’ from these powers. These cosmic rulers know what is waiting for the elect of God. These powers of creation know full well what the revealing of the Sons of God represent to the present systems and structures in, which this world is presently in.

All the creation will be set free from these dominating cosmic war lords, who rule their subjects with fear and intimidation.

These heavenly beings, who are the present governmental authorities, that sit in high places of ruler-ship over the cosmos of creation.

These powers of the heavens are the foundationial structures of this present order and system of reality, which creation is presently in the grip of.

The foundations and systems of human life, they are the reflection of who these cosmic powers are. If we really want to know what this other world of the kingdom of the air looks like, then all we have to do is look at this present world system, which this old eon is cradled in. This present order and system is the reflection of these world rulers, whom sit in the seats of governmental power, as the gods of this eon.

Humanity of this eon lives and reflects these invisible, cosmic, ruling realities of creation. These invisible principalities and powers, who dwell in the cosmos over creation, which is located in the realm of the kingdom of the air. These are the hidden invisible realities, which exercise authority over this visible world.

In the beginning it was God, who set these positions of governmental authority over his creation. God set these rulers and authorities in these places, in the roles as his governors and magistrates.

The principalities and powers, Paul says that they are the gods of this present system and eon, which is the present order and system of creation.

These rulers, who rule over the cosmos of Gods creation, they somehow have corrupted all their ways. Instead of leading humanity to the God who created all things God, they now lead man away from the God, and to themselves.

These systems in, which these powers move and operate in, they were all created by God, for the good of his creatures. Something happened long ago, the bible has a few things to say about it, but so much is left unsaid. There seemed to be a great rebellion, which occurred in the realm of the kingdom of the heavens. These rulers and authorities, who were given these places of great honor and authority, by the God who created all things, they rebelled.

The bible says that these powers, which are in a present state and condition of rebellion, they did not lose their positions of authority, as the rulers and authorities of this eon. Even in the great cosmic rebellion, God did not remove them from these high places of authority over creation. God left them in place, but he did, at the event of the cross of Calvary, pronounce and deliver a divine judgment on them.

These rulers of the rebellion, they know that their long rein of rebellion over Gods good creation has and ending season to it. These powers know what Christ did at the cross.

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification.  None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2, 6-8

At the end of this age, called the day of the Lord, there will be a great change of universal cosmic government, over the entire cosmos. God will reveal his true priests and kings, Sons of the new creation, who will sit over Gods restored creation, who will be the true imagers, of the God who created all things in Christ.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,  but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.  And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.  Rejoice then, O heaven and you that dwell therein! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” Revelation 12, 7-12

Tonight while watching all the calamity unfolding, regarding the US pullout in Afghanistan. I am feeling that the spirit began to speak, that there is a coming unravelling of this present administration.

I believe this act, which was initiated by this administration, will be the beginning of dramatic consequences for the nation.

It will not only be an unraveling for the administration, but it will also bleed into the nation. Feeling as if the hand of the Lords protection has been now lifted off the nation.

And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among the nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the wave, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Luke 21-25,26,27

Speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah saying, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. And I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations. Haggai 2- 21,22

The coming of the Lord is the event, which triggers the shaking of the powers of this age, from their high places authority over the nations. These powers, who are the rulers of this age, sit in these places of authority over this world thinking they sit as kings forever, but the truth is that their rein of dominance over creation has an ending season. These rulers and authorities, who crucified the Lord of glory, their end will come, and it will be devastating for them, but also this world system that has put their trust in them.

The event of the coming of the Christ is the trigger, which releases great convulsions in the natural world. It looks like the whole order of creation is rocked by this apostolic release of power by the coming of the great King.

The OT prophets speak of these days as an compete disaster for all the rulers and authorities, who have had their way for ages gone by.

These rulers think that they will sit as kings forever, but the Lord will come, when the time is complete, when the full number of this new priesthood, who will be the new rulers and kings over the cosmos of creation, this also includes all the heavens, and not only the earth. Yes the earth is a hostile place to the God of glory, but so are the heavens. This is the place of the beginning of the cosmic rebellion. There is an continual warfare in the heavens now. People think going to heaven is peaceful, but there is war in heaven?

The coming of the Christ is not only an deliverance for the earth, but it is also an deliverance of the heavens. The rulers of this age will be cast out of the heavens first, then and only then will then will the earth be delivered?

Earth is just the reflection of the heavens, what we see in this earth has first its origin in the heavens. This earth will not be released until the ruler of this age is cast out of the heaven.

The whole system of creation is flawed, its not just the earth, heaven is also in the grip of the fall of the cosmos.

Everything that we presently know as reality will be turned upside down. The natural expressions, which will be convulsive in nature, is the invisible reality of the powers being cast out of the heavens.

And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there has not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great a earthquake was it, and so mighty. And the great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of his fierce wrath. Revelation 16-18,19

And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth. Revelation 17-18

This harlot figure of the book of revelation, is first the power structures who rule this world, then secondly it is the earthly expressions of this power. It’s not some institution, it’s everything that expresses this heavenly reality. Many biblical expositors try to make this harlot of revelation something, which has a fixed point in this world. There are many fixed points, which express this reality of Babylon, but the power of Babylon lies with the heavenly powers, who are the rulers of this age. If we try to point to something in the world and say, this is Babylon, it becomes a headless body. Babylon is very much alive in this world, but we have to realize that it is only an expression of the heavenly, cosmic, spiritual reality. Babylon is first the world spirit. Behind this spirit is the prince of the powers of the air. He is the one who works through the principalities and powers in the children of disobedience. He is the energizing force that is released into the world. We hate to believe this, but we live in a world, which is dominated and expressed by his image. This world, in its present state and condition, is the image of Babylon. Humanity is now only just racing into the full development of this Antichrist spirit. Antichrist is not something that is coming, Antichrist has been with us since the beginning. What we are witnessing today, is the full development of this figure, we already worship the beast. The number 666, is the full development of this man of sin. He dwells in the life of Adam. This is his arena of operation. If you live by the Adamic life, then you are under his authority. Adam is the slave to this spirit. It’s like Adam is in union with this man of sin now. This world outside of the life of Christ is chained to this man of sin. This world is forced into doing the will of the prince of the powers of the air, they can’t break free from the chains that hold them. The only escape is through the cross, which means regeneration into the new kind humanity, an humanity, which is not of this world, who is the Christ.

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority. And the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried with a mighty voice, saying fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! And she has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk the wine of her passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues. Revelation 18-1,2,3,4

Those who have come through the death of Christ into the heavenlies, through the baptism of the holy spirt, come into an dimensional reality and sphere, where one comes into living active contact with hosts of principalities and powers, who exist in an world, which is not known to the natural man.

This world of the cosmos, which is situated in the world called the kingdom of the air, this is the domain and dominion of the rulers of this present age.

These rulers and authorities, which continue to sit in these high places of authority, over this world, they are the hidden world cosmic forces, which exercise dromion and influence over this evil age.

These are the hidden realities of power, which brood over this evil age.

These authorities who exist in this kingdom of the air, they are very present and real creatures. Even though they are not like us, yet they are in some direct correlation to this heaven and earth reality, which God created through Christ.

These rulers do exercise a form of dominion over this present world, even if they were in some way subjected to Christ, through the event of the cross, yet they are still called the gods of this present evil age.

People want to attribute everything, which happens in this world to the sovereignty of God, but that is not what the bible really teaches us.

These cosmic power structures have very much influence on things, which take place in this world. They do exercise some kind of an kingship over this fallen world.

Yes Jesus did break into this age, by the event of the cross, but it was only an act to deliverance for a people from this age. This present age has not disappeared, it still continues.

Jesus said my kingdom was not of this world, his kingdom was not to be found in this present world.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John, 36 – 37

The god of this present age is not Jesus. Jesus came to rescue us out from the authority of the god of this age. This age belongs to the principalities and powers, who rule under the influence of the prince of the powers of this age. These are the gods over the cosmos. They are still very much in control over this world, and very much of what takes place in our world.

These rulers who sit as kings and rulers over the nations, they exercise authority over the nations, which live under their jurisdiction. They have very much influence over the unregenerate humanity of Adam. They are called the gods of this age, because that’s what they are.

When we come into the new humanity of the Christ, then we begin to realize how true this is.

Through the regeneration of our life into the heavenly Christ, we then enter this cosmic arena, which is called the heavenlies. It is a world if entered, then things should happen, which also happened to Jesus. Jesus entered into this world at the event of the Jordan river. The heavens were opened up to him at this event.

We through new birth should also experience things similar to Jesus. As one advances in this other world, then one begins to see this truth, as Jesus spoke in the bible.

The Lord wants the Church to live and move in this other world of the heavenlies. This is our heritage in the faith, which we are called into. There we encounter heavenly realities, which at times are shocking to us. We encounter supernatural beings, which are in direct conflict with our new position taken. They come to us in ways, which are very deceptive. They present us things, which are very tempting in nature. They come in ways that are very tempting, and at times very hard to resist. They offer us things, which are of this world, and of which they can deliver, but the end of all their ways is spiritual death.

This arena we enter through new birth, is a very powerful environment, with great authority to found in it. But it is also a very hostile world, with great power structures, and powers with great authority, which we enter into conflict with. These supernatural powers offer one many things, to keep one from following the Lord, who has invited us into this wonderful world of the heavenlies.

The main goal of these beings is always to draw one out from this position of in Christ. When one comes out of this world, which Christ has opened up for us, then one is no longer any threat in this present cosmic battle.

What really happened in the garden in the beginning of the creation?

The bible doesn’t give very much information regarding the incident, which transpired between Adam, Eve, and the serpent figure.

We do know from what is written, that man lost something, which he had, and gained something foreign and other to his nature.

That’s the great question that many scholars have wrestled with, were did evil come from?

Was evil something that was a reality before man fell?

If man was created upright, how did evil enter the human race?

Some writers believe that evil existed long before man was created.

Some believe that God jugged a former creation, long before God created man.

We do know from Isaiah and Ezekiel that there was some great rebellion in long ages past,which occurred in the angelic creation.

This seems to say to us that evil had existed for long ages.

The question is, how did this virus impregnate into the human family?

The only account we have is the incident in the garden. Somehow sin entered the human race from this one event.

Something so evil happened that it changed the very DNA of the human race.

Some writers say that there was some kind of exchange between the man, the woman, and the serpent.

This one event impregnated the whole human race with evil, which had existed long before man was created.

I’m not going to speculate on what happened, but we do know that whatever happened was very offensive to God.

Some writers take great liberty on what transpired, but the bible does not give us much information regarding this incident.

We do know that now we have this great cancer in us now, which is called sin.

It is the cause of all the evil in this world. This cancer called sin now seems to be attached to the very depths of our being.

It’s like a never ending well of poison water, which pollutes everything it touches.

This sin virus seems to be attached to the spirit world, which surrounds us.

It seems to get its energy from it, the two seem to be joined together in this great deluge of poison water, which is now spewing out of the race of mankind.

The bible calls the father of this evil, the prince of this present age. He now is the energizing force, which is released into the once good creation.

This character, who is called the adversary, he was called a murderer from the beginning, who did not abide in the truth?

And now through the event of the fall of our first parents, we also have become partakers in this great rebellion of evil with him.

We find that this very nature of evil, has been implanted right in the heart of the human family, but also in the cosmic creation?

Jesus told the Pharisees that he was their real father.

This sin issue was so great, that God himself had to come into this evil world, and pay the penalty for it.

I don’t think we are able to understand the magnitude of what transpired on the cross.

God dealt with this ageless universal evil, in his own Godhead, once and for all time.

This penalty for sin was so great, that only god himself could deal with it, through his own Godhead, in the event of his Son.

T Austin Sparks calls the cross D-day for the human race.

That’s why the cross is central of the Christian life.

The event of the cross in us, is the release from the power of this poison, which is called sin.

We are fast approaching the the climactic ending of the revelation of the mystery of God, which the prophetic scriptures have said would come on this world, before the close of this present age. The birth pangs are escalating in our very midst. The days of the coming rein of the king are now upon us. The heavens are reverberating with expectations of things, which will stagger all our categories. Those who have eyes to see know that life is about to change very dramatically. The powers over the nations, they know that their season as the rulers of this age are coming to an cataclysmic ending. The trumpet is sounding the alarm in the holy mountain of God. History is about to be broken into. The glory of the coming rein of our king is upon us.

And I also say to thee, that thou art a rock, and upon this rock I will build my assembly, and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it; and I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth shall be having been bound in the heavens, and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens. Mathew 16, 18-19

Which He wrought in the Christ, having raised him out of the dead, and did set [him] at His right hand in the heavenly [places], far above all principality, and authority, and might, and lordship, and every name named, not only in this age, but also in the coming one; and all things He did put under his feet, and did give him — head over all things to the assembly, which is his body, the fulness of Him who is filling the all in all. Ephesians 2, 20-23

And to cause all to see what [is] the fellowship of the secret that hath been hid from the ages in God, who the all things did create by Jesus Christ, that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly [places], through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God, according to a purpose of the ages, which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3, 9-11

The new creation of God, which was birthed through the event of the death of Christ, on the cross of Calvary.

The new creature in time, which was hidden in God before the ages began, was revealed in the death of Christ.

The new creation of the God man in Christ. This new cooperate broken body, birthed out of the living glorified God.

This new creation called the Church, the called out ones, whos destiny is universal in scope.

For if the powers of the air really understood what the cross meant for them, then they would have never crucified the Lord of glory.

The cross was the beginning of a new kind of creation. This new creation of humanity, called the church of the living God, was created through the agony and suffering of Calvary.

Out of the grave came this new cooperate man, whos very DNA is the same as the seed, which was planted.

God became humanity, so humanity could become divinity? The divine nature of the Lord of glory was released on the cross, Bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh

This cooperate Son of the new creation, which was the mystery revealed, to the cosmic rulers of this age. This new divinely elected chosen vessel, which came out of this broken world of humanity.

These cosmic powers, rulers, where shocked and stunned when they realized what happened at Calvary.

The cross was the death blow to these cosmic rulers of creation. They were witnesses to the birth of a new kind of a creature, which is called the church of the most high God. Sons of a new kind of a humanity, whos destiny is to sit as kings and priests, over the cosmos of creation, judging the works of Gods hand.

God is not going to destroy this world and cosmos. God is going to renew his good creation.

The whole creation waits for the full adoption of these Sons of God, who will judge the angels?

The Church, the new creation of God, birthed through the death of Christ, on the cross.

This great mystery called the Church, is Gods gift to Israel and the nations.

This mystery of the Church, which was hidden in God before all ages, birthed on the day of Calvary.

For if the powers really knew what was going to take place at Calvary, then they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Through the death of Christ, came forth this elect vessel, who is bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh.

What a monumental event took place at Calvary. A new creation birthed in the history of the cosmos.

Out of the anguish of the death of Christ, came forth this body, which is given for this world.

As Eve was birthed from Adam, so also came this body, which has the very same life and nature as the one who was broken for her.

This elect vessel of creation, which came out of the grave, with the one who went into the grave for her.

This new created act of the God of creation, birthing his very nature into this new creation, which is called the Church, which came from the suffering servant.

This broken body, is for the life of this world, Gods wonderful gift for Israel and the nations.

Israel’s hope, Israel’s gift, given for this world.

Gods masterpiece, hidden from all the rulers of this age. This broken body, which is for his people Israel, and the nations.

This vessel of mercy and peace, released into the cosmos of creation, having the radiance and glory of God, illuminating creation.

This new creation, creature, body, rulers, Kings and priests, cosmic expressions of righteousness over Gods redeemed creation.

 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8, 19-21

There is three main streams of biblical interpretation, regarding Israel and the Church.

The first one, which is probably the most widespread throughout the Church, is that the Church is now the new Israel of God, and all the promises, which are spoken in the OT, have now been transferred over to the church.

Because of the fall and misstep of the nation of Israel, the Church now has taken over all the promises given to Abraham Isaac, and Jacob.

This Church is now made up Jews and Gentiles, the majority being Gentiles.

This view is the main view of the reformation teachings. Calvin, and Luther, and others basically aliened themselves to the main body of this vein of interpretation.

The other view is that Israel and the Church are the same people. The Gentiles have been grafted into all of Israel’s promises and covenants. We who were not a people, are now part of the nation of Israel, through our union with their Messiah.

This view is not as common as the first view, but still believed by many. This view is generally held by messianic Jews and others.

The third view, and probably least held of the three, is that the Church and Israel are two different entities. Israel has it’s own destiny separate from the Church, and the Church has its own destiny separate from Israel.

Through much study of many theological works, which are related to all three views, I myself feel I have come to the conclusion, which makes the most sense to me, which is that there are truths in all three positions, but for me, I believe the closest view, in my opinion, is the third view.

How can one say that the church is now part of Israel, when reading Paul’s letter to the Galatians?

When Paul says that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ? Paul basically says that we somehow loose our natural heritage, once one is baptized into Christ.

One becomes a new creation, which is neither Jew nor Gentile.

Galatians is one of Paul’s early letters.

Maybe Paul wasn’t yet fully clear in his new position, but I somehow very much doubt this.

Then when we go to Ephesians, Paul makes it sound like we are part of Israel and all their promises and covenants.

We have been brought in through the work of Christ on the cross. We are no longer aliens and strangers, but fellow members of the body of Messiah.

But when we go to the prophets, and read about the promises given to the nation of Israel, One just can’t make any sense regarding any of these things.

The only way one can say Israel and the Church are the same reality, is if one takes the literalness of scripture, and spiritualizes the promisies?

According to the prophets, the age to come is the start of a new beginning, called the messianic age, People still live and die, but yes things begin to change, people live longer, the curse is lifted, the nations learn war no more. The wolf and the lamb lie together, and so many more things.

If we try to spirituaize these things, spoken through the Prophets, then we have to spititualize all the verses of the first coming of our Lord? If we do this, then the whole structure of the bible is unstable.

How can the Church be part of Israel’s national promises? Which is to be a light to the nations?

If the churche is neither Jew nor Gentile, then we are neither Israel. We are something altogether other and different.

So what is the Church? I believe It is a company of elected people, who are out from Israel, and also out from the Gentiles. It is no longer Jew nor Gentile, but it is a new creation.

Once one is baptized into Christ, then we lose our national heritage.

This Church is an other worldly reality. It is in this world, but not of it.

The Church has a great destiny, but not of this world.

Gods promises to the nation of Israel are in this world, but not this present age.

Israels destiny is to be the central priestly nation of the nations.

Israel has an earthly calling for all nations, but the calling of the mystical body of Christ is a heavenly calling. Universal rulership with Christ, over all the dominions of Christs creation.

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what isthe hope to which he has called you, what arethe riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1

The destiny of the Church, this requires a different kind of a body, it requires an immortal body, a body like that of the glorified Lord, which is capable of living in the world of the heavens, but also is capable of entering into this dimension of this world.

This earth is just a small part of the cosmos of Gods creation. The heavenly side of the creation is so much more than this little world, which we live in. The dimensions of the heavens, and all the the realities associated in them, these things are epic in scale.

This is the destiny of the Church, its so stunning, it is so beyond our present comprehension of things.

Christ has decided to share all his vast dominion, with his people, who he redeemed out of this world.

The kingdom of the heavens are so beyond anything of this little earth.

Jesus said that the children of the resurrection will be as the angeles of heaven, they will live and move in the immortal world, they will niether marry, nor be given in marrige?

This is a huge problem for any who would say that Israel and the church have the same destiny.

The church is caught up to meet the Lord in the air, but it is only the Church.

The majority of all the peoples of the nations, they have no part in this.

The nations are left in this present world, but also Israel the earthly nation, according to the book of Revelation, left behind?

So how does one make any sense of this?

It’s hard for a natural Jew to grasp this truth, that through baptism he is now no longer a natural Israelite. He now is a member of the body of Christ, which is neither Jew nor Gentile.

I believe Church is kind of like Elijah and Elisha right now, Elijah has the mantle of Gods witness to the nations, but when the Church is taken into the heavens, then this Mantle will again fall, with a double portion, on Israel the earthly nation, which is still left in this world.

The bible is very clear, that the Church will be taken out of this world,. Israel will not, Israel will remain with the rest of the nations.

So how can Israel and the Church be the same reality? I don’t see any sense in it.

It is very clear in scripture, that all the nations will carry on, but also Israel the earthly nation is still here, Why?

The church cant be Israel, it is taken through some form of a rapture into the heavens.

Let not your hearts be troubled.Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11

The Vocation of the Church is not that clear in the scriptures, but it does talk about ruler-ship, and governmental authority over the nations, but this authority is in the heavens, which rule this cosmos.

This world answers to the heavens, this is the real place of power and authority.

Will this Church be visible in the age to come? We don’t really know this. We don’t see the principalities and powers, who now sit in these places of power and dominion.

The destiny of this Church, it is to inherit the governmental authority over the cosmos of Gods creation, which is now ruled by the fallen principalities and powers.

This is why the powers of this age hate this little body called the Church. They know the destiny of this people. And its not a good ending for them.

So we are not sure if this will change in the age to come, but if Christs resurrection body is the type of the church’s eternal heavenly body, then its sounds like the church will be a two dimensional being, which is able to move in the heavenly, but also the earthly realms.

The bible seems to imply that the heavenly Church and the earthly nation, will be related in one common vocation through Christ.

The Church will be ascending and descending, with the elect angels, on the elect nation of Israel, its like Israel will be the earthly vehicle, which in some way partners with the heavenly Church, into blessing the nations.

Israel’s destiny in this world is in relation to the Church, the destiny of the nations are in relation to Israel.

God created the Church as a gift to Israel. God chose Israel as a gift for the nations.

 

 After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird. ³ For by^]the wine of the wrath of her fornication all the nations are fallen; and the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich by the power of her wantonness. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues:  for her sins have reached even unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double.  How much so ever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning. Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her.  And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived wantonly with her, shall weep and wail over her, when they look upon the smoke of her burning,  standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.  And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise any more; merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;  and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.  And the fruits which thy soul lusted after are gone from thee, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous are perished from thee, and men shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;  saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl!  for in one hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off,  and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city?  And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.  Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her. And a strong angel took up a stone as it were a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with a mighty fall shall Babylon, the great city, be cast down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers and minstrels and flute-players and trumpeters shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft, shall be found any more at all in thee; and the voice of a mill shall be heard no more at all in thee; and the light of a lamp shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived.  And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth. Revelation 18

This harlot figure of the book of revelation, are firstly the powers of the air, who rule this present system and world, then secondly it is the earthly expressions of this power. It’s not some nation, nor system in the earth, it’s everything that expresses this heaven and earth reality.

Babylon is the city set in the midst of all nations. All nations are in some way related to this corrupted city, which is situated in the realm of the air.

This other dimensional sphere of reality is hidden from our natural sight, but when our inner eyes are opened, by the revelation of the spirit of God, then one sees this ancient place, which cradles our world system of reality.

These two systems of creation are very much still united. This world of the kingdom of the air, is very much a part of all things, which are expressed in this world, which we are members of.

What happens in the heavens happens in the earth.

Many biblical expositors try to make the harlot of revelation something, which has a fixed point in this world.

There are many fixed points, which express this reality of Babylon, but the power of Babylon starts with the heavenly cosmic powers, who are the rulers of this present age.

If we try to point to something in the world and say this is Babylon, it then becomes a headless body.

Babylon is very much alive in this world, but we have to realize that it is only an expression of the kingdom of Babylon.

Babylon is first the world spirit. Behind this spirit is the prince of the powers of the air. He is the head magistrate who works in the children of disobedience. He is the energizing force and reality, which is released into the nations.

We hate to believe this, but we live in a world, which is dominated and expressed by the image of Babylon.

This world system, and structure, in its present state and condition, images this city, which is situated in the realm of the air.

But in some strange way, the God of creation is over, and above, this world of the fallen rulers of this age.

These rules seem to have very much liberty with the children of men, in their roles as the gods of the nations, but in the end they can only go so far in their wickedness.

Humanity is now racing into the full development of this Antichrist spirit.

Antichrist is not something that is coming, antichrist has been with us since the beginning.

What we are witnessing today is the full development of this image, we already worship the beast system.

When Isaiah 14:12 talks about a fallen star, it means Satan. Isaiah 34:4 and Revelation 6:13 speak about the host of heaven falling. The powers in the heavens are demonic forces that exist in the spirit world but have influence on Earth. Ephesians 6:12 mentions “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” “Powers” is from the Greek root word dunamis and can mean the power of an army. “Heavens” is from the Greek root word Ouranos which can mean the sky or the spiritual realm of angels and demons. Furthermore, “falling” is from the Greek root word pipto which can mean physically falling, falling prostrate in submission and fear, or being removed from power. Bible Commentary

 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1, 16-23

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,  Ephesians 3, 8-11

This universal, epic drama, which is being played out in the cosmos of creation, was being revealed to the chief Apostle of the faith, Paul, while sitting in a Roman prison.

This mystery of creation. This timeless universal drama of the cosmic world, which is situated in a place called the heavenlies.

The destiny of this church in the ages to come.

That now through this church, the wisdom of God is being revealed.

This weak, broken church, who are the least of all saints.

Who the cosmic rulers and powers of creation, scorn and frown at, while they sit in their great arrogance of pride, thinking that somehow they can stop this destiny?

This church who are the least of all saints, is given this mysterious revelation.

This stunning shocking revelation, of a vast fallen cosmic order and world, and structures, which brood over creation.

These timeless ageless rules, cosmic princes, who know and fear the things, which are coming.

These watchers over the nations, whos times are nearing an ending?

This great destiny, of this small people called the church, which in the ages upon the ages to come, will magnify the Lamb of God.

Oh what a seeing, oh what a calling, so undeserving, so unimaginable, so stunning?

This land of promise, the heavenly city, the Jerusalem which is above.

The city that rules over all things, all events, and all destinies?

This seat of universal power and authority, which rules over all the structures of Gods good creation.

A prepared place, for a prepared people.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8, 18-23

For those who are called according to his purpose.  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8, 28-30

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8, 37-39

Have you ever stood back and pondered Jewish history? Were in the world does this hatred come from.

Why do the nations seem to have such an antagonism toward this people?

I wonder how long before the issues of the nations, which are escalating, become the issue of the Jew.

It seems like they cannot hide from the spotlight of history, it follows them every were they end up.

How does one as a believer make sense of the Jew? What do they really represent to us as Christian believes?

Can we continue to ignore them?

Are they really that important to us?

Should we be concerned with them as a people?

Well as one that never really considered them up to about twenty years ago, to one that now, through a slow process is beginning to see that the centrality of Israel restoration in the last days is the issue of the coming of the kingdom.

I really feel I need to lay down the conclusions that I have come to regarding this people.

I feel the times are very urgent, we as the church need to come to terms with the Jew.

There has been for to long this strangeness with the church and the Jew, we truly do not understand them nor their destiny.

The issues that I feel that I need to deal with are not some quick conclusions. These things that I am addressing come from long exhausting searches of ancient and modern scholars, and theologians.

I will try to streamline things for the lack of over extending peoples interest.

The big question that seems to be at the forefront is has the church replaced Israel.

This question truly is such a source of so much confusion in Christianity today.

The quick answer is of course not, the Church has not replaced Israel, we the Church have been grafted into Israel.

This is very tricky, is Christ now the new Israel? I believe the answer is of course not.

This might offend some, but no Christ is not the new Israel, Christ is the true vine of Israel, Israel is a nation, Christ is the true vine of Israel, remember that Israel has been an reality long before Christ came.

So did the coming of Jesus do away with the nation of Israel?

No, Christ’s coming was the fulfillment of the promise to Israel, Christ fulfilled the promise given to Abraham.

So does this mean that we the church are now Israel, well yes and no, remember we were strangers and aliens, but now through Christ, we the gentiles have been brought into this existing, eternal nation which is Israel.

So yes we have now become a part of Israel, but only through our union with the vine of Israel, who is Christ our Lord.

This is where things get very tricky, why should we be concerned with the Jew?

Why should we worry about their restoration as the nation under Christ, does this affect us in any way?

Right now I would say absolutely yes!

This is the great issue of the coming of the messianic kingdom.

This is the event of the all the events of the last days, the OT prophetic scriptures are full of this time.

Israel is the issue of the end; they are absolutely central to the return of Christ.

The king is contained in the heavens until the what? The restoration of all things. The king has to have a nation to return back to. Christ will not return until Israel as an corporate nation call upon him whom they have pierced, this is the event of events, this is what the prophets spoke.

We cannot replace the destiny of this nation, it is impossible, we were adopted into this people through Christ, they are the natural branches.

Remember what Paul said, don’t be wise in your own estimation, this hardening that has come their way will not last for ever, it is only for a season.

How long is this season? Well until the fullness of the gentiles.

What does this mean?

There are two lines of interpretation which I like, one is a number of gentiles, the other is, there will be a day when the witness of the kingdom is finished toward the gentiles and then the Lord will return back to the house of Israel. It’s hard to say which Paul was referring to, but I kind of am leaning toward the second one, this one seems to make more sense to me.

Things get very tricky when we start to ask questions such as. Does the church and Israel have the same destiny?

Here again I would say yes and no, even though the church is a part of Israel, yet it is only because of Christ.

This is where I begin to really veer of into areas that many don’t like to discuss.

I see a heavenly body, which is the church, but I also see an earthly Israel, which is the restored nation.

So how can this make any sense?

Well the way I see it, there are two realms of rebellion in Gods good creation, one in the heavenly realms, and the other is in this earth.

The Church is destined to rule and rein with Christ over the fallen powers that presently are in a state of hostile rebellion. This is the destiny of the Church, to rule this universe through Christ.

But remember this world still carries on, the bible says for a thousand years after the return of Christ. Life and death still continue. Yes man will not learn war any longer, the wolf and the lamb will dwell together, but the cycle of life and death still continues.

Remember that the last enemy to be destroyed is death, this only happens after the thousand-year reign.

So I see Israel and the church like a man and woman, very different destinies but in union through Christ one.

Remember the holy city the New Jerusalem does not descend to earth until the thousand years, and then last enemy which is death, is finally and fully destroyed.

I believe the restoration of Israel under Messiah, and also the rapture of the church are one great event.

The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Christ.

At the same time the heavens are released from the fallen powers, who will be fully defeated, and the church sits and rules over the heavenly thrones of power, of which these powers who presently hold them are doing everything they are able to hold them.

Remember after the resurrection Paul says we will be like the angels, immortal glorified beings.

But the nations still will continue, Israel as an earthly nation still continues, but now under their Messiah living in their land in peace.