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NEW JERUSALEM

January 17, 2015

The Eternal Home of The Church

“Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3

This article will not be an exhaustive piece, but it will give you an overall picture of our future heavenly residence. Unlike my previous articles which compared Watchtower doctrine to Scripture, here I will focus exclusively on the text and will not discuss the Watchtower’s view. With help from Dr. J. Vernon McGee, B.D. Th.M. Th.D, the words of Christ and Scripture concerning our future heavenly residence will be brought into focus. I chose Dr. McGee as my source because of his credentials, but also for his entertaining manner of delivery and unique teaching skills. This entire article is virtually word-for-word out of Dr. McGee’s book, “Man’s Fascination With The Future On Prophecy.” The page number(s) will be noted after each quotation, and I have replaced the Scripture quotations with the New American Standard version, rather than the King James version:

“The fourteenth chapter of John was given by our Lord in the Upper Room, and He introduces something that is entirely new. The first part of the chapter was given to a man to cushion the shock of failure that was to come into his life. Also it was to comfort and put down the fears of this little band of apostles across whose pathway the shadow of the Cross had fallen. Sin was knocking at the door in the Upper Room, demanding it’s pound of flesh. These men were frightened men, and our Lord was speaking to their hearts. He begins by saying, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. (John 14:1)

He is putting, as essential, faith in Himself along with faith in God – which, of course, is the thing that makes a Christian today. I was in a hospital visiting a Christian friend, and after I had prayed with him, the man who was in a bed across the room called to me, ‘Preacher, will you pray for me?’ I went over and talked to him and asked, ‘Are you a Christian?’ ‘Well, yes, I believe in God.’ ‘That does not make you a Christian,’ I said, ‘it simply means that you are not an atheist.’ Then I gave him this verse. ‘Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.’ Our Lord begins with His men on that plane, and He continues.

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

…

What is the Father’s house? When you go out tonight, look up into the vaulted sky above you, and you will see the Father’s house. That is His house. Our Lord said, ‘In My Father’s house are many moni, many abiding places, many place to live.’ …

Then He says, I go to prepare a place for you.

This place is different from any other in His universe – ‘I go to prepare a special place for you.’ It is a prepared place for prepared people. The One who was the carpenter of Nazareth down here about two thousand years ago is at this moment preparing a place up yonder for those who are His own. Have you ever wondered about that place He is preparing? Do you wonder what it is like? We are going there some day, and we shall live there eternally.

Then He makes the statement,

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3

As far as I know, this is the first time in the Word of God where it mentions that He is going to take someone off the earth out into space. You will not find that in the Old Testament at all. God did not promise anyone in the Old Testament that He would take him off this earth to a place called heaven. The hope of the Old Testament saints was that there might be a heaven down here on this earth, and that is what I understand the expression, the Kingdom of Heaven, to mean – the reign of the heavens over the earth, the day when this earth becomes a heaven. That is the hope of the Old Testament.” (Pgs 235-238)

“ … The glorious hope of the church is the coming of our Lord Jesus to take us into space to that home He has prepared.

Now, where is that place? What kind of place is it? I turn to the only chapter I know of in the Word of God where there is a description of it, the twenty-first chapter of the Book of Revelation.

As we look at this chapter, I shall not try to make a comprehensive study, but rather I shall make a few suggestions that may intrigue you into probing deeper into this fascinating subject. I believe that if Christians were more interested in the place to which they are going, they would be more concerned about the way in which they are living down here.

If you have read Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, which is actually the experience of Bunyan himself, you will notice that when he got up out of the Slough of Despond and started out, the hope that he had from the beginning was this: ‘I am a pilgrim, and I am on the way to the Celestial City.’ And when he would fall down, he would always get up, brush himself off and say, ‘I am a pilgrim on the way to the Celestial City.’ And when he was incarcerated in Doubting Castle, the key that unlocked the doors and set him free was this promise. When he had mountains to climb, when the way was difficult and discouraging and it seemed as though he would not make it, he got his mind and his heart fixed on that Celestial City.

I believe there are many believers today who have lost sight of this city. They have become discouraged along the way. I say to you, friend, that this world is only a camping place for the night. We all are here temporarily – we are merely pilgrims down here on this earth. We are on the way to the Celestial City. We are on the way to the New Jerusalem. The thing that would encourage the hearts of many today would be to know a little about this place to which we are going.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Revelation 21:1

John here tells us that God is going to trade in this old earth and the old heaven on a new model. He is going to get a new earth – not get rid of earth entirely but merely get a new one. He calls attention to only one great change in His new earth: there will be no more sea. That which covers three-fourths of the earth’s surface today will be entirely removed. What a tremendous population can then be put on the earth! Someone asked the other day, when I made the suggestion of the population explosion that will probably take place during the Millennium, ‘Where in the world will they go, when we don’t even have room today?’ May I say to you that there will be three-fourths more surface on earth, plus the fact that the curse of sin will be removed from the earth so that it will produce as it never has before. You will be able to find a parking space in that day; there will be plenty of parking spaces! That appeals to me, because we need more parking space in Southern California, and if we could use the Pacific Ocean, we would have the problem solved!” (Pgs 239-240)

Greek scholar Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D in his book, “The Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible” (pg 1696), further explains Revelation 21:1: “Here we have the description of a new heaven and a new earth. The word ‘new’ in Greek is rendered by the word kainos (2537) which means ‘qualitatively new’ and not simply another earth and another heaven. Since our resurrection bodies will be changed, so will the environment in which these new bodies will live.”

“But these are things that concern the earth, and we are not an earthly people. We are to leave this earth. The things that interests us is what John sees in the next verse:

And I saw the holy city new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, make ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2

Now, this is the first time the New Jerusalem comes into view. The question is asked, ‘Is it in existence before this?’ I do not know, but I rather think that at the Rapture the church will be brought to this place. I believe this city is to be our permanent home. I think that during the Millennium it will be a matter of commuting back and forth from the earth to the New Jerusalem. Yet the New Jerusalem does not come into view until this point because now eternity opens up and reveals the eternal home of the church.

Notice that the city is a holy city. The inhabitants have been made holy in Christ and in no other way. He is there. That makes it a holy city.

The new Jerusalem is in contrast to the old Jerusalem down here on the earth, and it is coming down from God out of heaven.

Now there are men today – better men than I – who believe that the New Jerusalem comes to the earth. I never have been able to see that, I cannot move it that far. I think it comes out into space, and it comes, apparently, within sight of the earth.

The loveliest thing that God could say about it is that it is prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. … Thus God uses the figure of a bride to characterize this city. It is a thing of exquisite beauty.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them. Revelation 21:3

The New Jerusalem is the temple for the universe of God. This will be the place, apparently, where Israel and the gentile nations of the earth will come to worship. They will come to worship and then return to their homes on the earth.” (Pgs 240-241)

and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

“The second thing that makes the New Jerusalem a wonderful city is ‘there shall be no more death.’ No death. That makes it different from any city I have heard of down here. There will be no cemeteries, there will be no undertakers. … No more death. Would you like to go to a place like that? … What a wonderful place this will be!

And then it says, ‘neither sorrow, nor crying, nether shall there be any more pain.’ All the hospitals will be closed, doctors and nurses will be out of a job, ‘for the former things are passed away.’ Then we come to something that is quite wonderful:

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Revelation 21:5

I love that. Would you like to start all over again? I want to make a confession. I never have been the preacher that I have wanted to be. I never have preached the sermon that I longed to preach. I honestly never have been the man that I have wanted to be. I have not attained, really, my ambition. I have not reached my goal in life. I never have been the husband that I have wanted to be, and I never have been the father that I have wanted to be. As I come to this place in life and look back, I have regrets. I would like to go back and do things differently. And God is going to let me! He says to my heart, ‘In that city, McGee, I make all things new.’” (Pgs 242-243)

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and hight mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. Revelation 21:10, 11

“The jasper stone is evidently similar to our diamond. The city from the outside looks like a diamond. I like to think of its being the wedding ring of the church. It will be like a diamond flashing out through God’s vast universe. I believe it will be the most beautiful thing that you have ever seen because the twelve foundations, which would be the outer surface, are all precious stones through which the light passes. Varied hues and tints from a galaxy of rainbow colors:

Jasper – perhaps the blue diamond
Sapphire – opaque with a greenish or yellowish color
Chalcedony – perhaps green
Emerald – green
Sardonyx – white and yellow
Sardius – red
Chrysolite – golden lustre
Beryl – sea green, aqua
Topaz – greenish yellow
Chrysoprase – golden green
Jacinth – violet
Amethyst – purple or rose red

The presence of the primary colors suggests that every shade and tint is reflected from this city. A rainbow that appears after a summer shower gives only a faint hint of the breathtaking beauty of the city of light. I believe it will be the most thrilling sight in the world to see this city. Nothing in all God’s universe will compare to it.” (Pgs 244-245) [Revelation 21:19-20 identify the stones.]

And the city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. Revelation 21:16

“It is fifteen hundred miles long, fifteen hundred miles wide, and fifteen hundred miles high. Some men have concluded that it will be a cube; others see it as a pyramid. It is difficult to conceive of either a cube or pyramid project out in space. Cubes and pyramids are appropriate for earthly buildings. I cannot believe that, since God has made everything in space globe-shaped, He would make this square. I do not say this in a dogmatic fashion, for there are many fine Bible students who disagree with me, but I believe that the New Jerusalem is a sphere and these measurements that Scripture gives are the dimensions on the inside of the sphere, a cube within a crystal-clear sphere. I took this problem in solid geometry to a man in the field of theoretical engineering. He worked it out for me and came up with a sphere that is slightly larger than our moon. The diameter of the moon is about 2,160 miles, and that of the New Jerusalem sphere is about 2,600 miles. We live on the outside of the planet called earth, but if my theory is correct, our eternal home will be within the planet called the New Jerusalem.” (Pg 244)

And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. Revelation 21:23

“The New Jerusalem will be independent of the sun and moon for light and life. What a contrast to the earth which is utterly dependent upon the sun and the moon. The sun and moon may even be dependent upon the Celestial City for power to transmit light, since the One who is the source of light and life will dwell within the city. Neither will light be furnished by the New Jerusalem Light and Power Company. The One who is light will be there, and the effulgence of His glory will be manifested in the New Jerusalem unhindered.” (Pg 245)

“The New Jerusalem will be the center of the universe. All activity and glory revolve about this city. The nation of Israel and the gentile nations of the earth will walk in the light of it and bring to it their glory and honor. They will not live in the city but will come, as the priests of old came to the holy place in the tabernacle and temple, for the purpose of worship. There will be no need to bring a blood sacrifice, for the Lamb is there in person.

And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. Revelation 21:22

This city has no temple because it is a temple – God is there and Christ is there. It is the holy place, if you please, because Christ is present. That is the thing that makes it such a wonderful place. The Lord Jesus said,

for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

We are to be with Him throughout eternity. That, after all, will make it heaven – Christ will be there.

Many folk ask, ‘Will I know my loved ones in heaven?’ We shall certainly know our loved ones in heaven. As Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said years ago when someone asked that question of him, ‘I do not expect to be a bigger fool there than I am here, and I know them here.’ Yes, we shall know our loved ones in heaven.” (Pg 246)

“I hope you will want to go to this city. Someone may ask, ‘Well, how do you get there?’ That brings us back to where we started.

When our Lord was talking to His men in the Upper Room, He said, ‘And you know the way where I am going’ (John 14:4). Sitting there was one of His disciples, a man who had a question mark for a brain, Thomas. This man had doubts. He raised questions about everything and he always saw a dark side of things. He really was not a very pleasant fellow to have around, and I do not know why our Lord called him. In fact, I have never figured out why He called any of them – who would want Simon Peter, Thomas, Andrew, James, or John? All of them were problem children, every one of them. But I am glad He called them because if He will use them there is still hope for me and there is hope for you. This man Thomas is a doubter. He says, ‘Wait a minute, Lord. You say that we know where You are going and we know the way. We don’t!’

Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way. John 14:5

I am glad he was there. He raised my question – he save me from having to ask it.

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. John 14:6

My friend, Jesus is the way to the Celestial City. He has gone before us, and He is preparing an eternal home for all of us who have become children of God through faith in His name.” (Pgs 247-248)

Conclusion:

Our Lord Jesus Christ went away to prepare our eternal home in heaven. The Author of Scripture describes this heavenly abode in beautiful detail. The Apostle Paul reminds us all that death is only the beginning and our heavenly home is much preferred over our earthly residence … “we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

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Blood Transfusions

December 20, 2014

Does The Bible Prohibit Blood Transfusions?

The purpose of addressing this particular subject is to allow the Bible to answer the question: “Does The Bible Prohibit Blood Transfusions?” The Watchtower declares that Jehovah forbids blood transfusions. While the Watchtower policy changes from time to time, one fact remains — their membership fears the Organization’s wrath if they accept a blood transfusion. Therefore, I wish to bring biblical clarity to this topic.

First and foremost, we never want to oppose God’s Inspired Word. His Word is absolute and non-negotiable. With that in mind, we look at whether the Bible forbids life-saving blood transfusions, as the Watchtower suggests.

The Organization insists that God’s Word condemns human to human blood transfusions. They base this upon the supposed authority of Acts 15:29. But does this Scripture actually affirm their position, or is the Organization improperly isolating one Scripture from its surrounding context and creating a man-made doctrine?

Acts 15:29 states as follows:

“that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”

When interpreting an isolated Scripture (those pulled out of their original context), its primary source must be examined. Understanding the surrounding context is the key to unlocking the meaning of the text. Therefore, a variety of questions must be asked:

(1)    What is the historical event?
(2)    Who is the passage speaking to?
(3)    Why was the content necessary?
(4)    How does it apply to me?

By asking these types of questions, we discover the true purpose of the message being delivered. This, in turn, reveals the actual meaning of the isolated scripture being quoted. So let us apply these questions to Acts 15:29:

1.     What is the historical event?

The Gentiles were accepting Christ, and certain Jews were demanding that the Gentiles become circumcised and be directed to observe the Law of Moses, as seen below at Acts 15:1, 3, 5:

verse 1: “And some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’”

verse 3: “Therefore, being sent on their way by the Church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.”

verse 5: “But certain ones of the sect of the Pharisees who have believed, stood up, saying, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them, and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.’”

As we see from these beginning verses of Acts 15, a wonderful thing was happening — Gentiles were being saved by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We also see how certain Christian Jews (a sect of the Pharisees) became annoyed. The Christian Jews were telling these new Gentile believers that their salvation was contingent upon being circumcised. They also said that these Gentiles needed to observe the Law of Moses.

2.    Who is the passage speaking to?

The apostle Peter answers this by refuting the words of this certain sect of the Pharisees:

“And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the words of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.’” (Acts 15:7-11)

Peter’s words help us to appreciate that “through the grace of the Lord Jesus” we are saved. He also points out that these Christian Jews were “placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear.” There was no need to circumcise these new Gentile believers in order for them to receive salvation — simply accepting Christ was enough. [As a side note, this reminds me of the yoke of the Watchtower. Their yoke of rules improperly make salvation contingent upon behavior, as if accepting Christ alone is not sufficient.]

3.    Why was the content necessary?

The content was necessary because of the spiritual weakness of some Jewish believers. So James recommended this at Acts 15:19:

“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.”

Acts 15:22-29 is what the Holy Spirit decided upon, with the final resolution set forth in verses 28 and 29:

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: “that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”

The context of Acts 15 and the final resolution of the council are very specific and abundantly clear. This sect of Christian Jews wanted the new Gentile believers to follow certain aspects of the Law of Moses; however, since we are no longer under the Law (which was replaced with Grace), the Jerusalem Council only imposed certain restraints. One of those was the blood issue.

Now in order to fully understand the application of Acts 15:29, we must look to the original blood restriction under the Law of Moses. In other words, what kind of blood was the Mosaic Law referring to:

Leviticus 17:13-16:

“So when any man from the sons of Israel, or from the aliens who sojourn among them, in hunting catches a beast or a bird which may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life. Therefore I said to the sons of Israel, ‘You are not to eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it shall be cut off.’ And when any person eats an animal which dies, or is torn by beasts, whether he is a native or an alien, he shall wash his cloths and bathe in water, and remain unclean until evening; then he will become clean.” [Emphasis added.]

Even prior to the Law of Moses, Jehovah similarly instructed Noah:

Genesis 9:2-4

“And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. And the fear of you and the terror of you shall be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given. Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.’”

Now that we have examined the entire context of Act 15, thereby shining God’s light of truth over our subject, the interpretation of Acts 15:29 becomes evident. The Law of Moses prohibited the eating of animal blood. The Bible is totally silent on accepting human blood. Even Orthodox Jews have no problem with human-to-human blood transfusions.

To add to this, Greek scholar Dr. Spiros Zodhiates comments on Genesis 9:8-17 (Hebrew Greek Study Bible, pg. 14):

“Throughout history God has dealt with man through covenants or agreements. Later the Jews regarded this covenant between God and Noah as the basis of the relationship between God and all mankind, but the covenants with Abraham and with Moses at Mount Sinai were seen as forming the basis of God’s special relationship with Israel. Some believe that the stipulations laid on the Gentiles in Acts 15:20,29 find some of their source here in the covenant between God and Noah. In spite of the fact that the distinction between clean and unclean animals existed (Gen. 7:2), God allowed the eating of any plant or animal. The only restriction was the eating of animal blood, for that is where the life of the animal resided (Gen. 9:4). Later Israel was forbidden to eat not only blood but also the flesh of certain animals. The Lord removed the clean-unclean distinction from food altogether (Mk. 7:15; Acts 10:15). [Emphasis added.]

As you can see, Dr. Zodhiates affirms the animal blood restriction. Human blood was not the topic under the Law … His conclusion is in complete harmony with Scripture, unlike the Watchtower’s position.

Jehovah’s Word fails to lend any support to the Watchtower’s human blood doctrine, so we are left to wonder. Since God’s word is absolute and non-negotiable, who gave the Watchtower permission to add human blood to the text? The Author of Scripture certainly did not. If Jehovah meant to include human blood in the restriction, He would have said so. Since His restriction was limited only to animal blood, why does the Watchtower continue to masquerade this doctrine in the name of Christianity? Whatever the answer, it is abundantly clear that the Watchtower’s man-made blood doctrine is nothing more than that … man-made. The Inspired writings of Scripture reveal that the Watchtower dogma on this topic goes beyond God’s Inspired Word.

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The 144,000 Identified

November 28, 2014

This article will set to rest the true identity of those mentioned in Revelation 7:4:
“And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel.”

It will also reveal the actual identity of the other sheep spoken of in John 10:16:
“And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd.”

In a nutshell, the Watchtower asserts that the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation are those exclusively destined for heaven, and the other sheep mentioned in John 10 are those chosen to live on Earth. In other words, only 144,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses will go to heaven, and the rest of the Watchtower’s organization will reside on Earth. So the question is … does Scripture harmonize with the Watchtower’s theology?

Whenever we consider biblical topics, it is imperative that we use Scripture as our ultimate authority. That being said, let us examine the Watchtower’s teachings with respect to the 144,000, and shine the light of Scripture over the Organization’s interpretation.

The 144,000

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Out of the tribe of Judah 12,000 sealed; out of the tribe of Reu’ben 12,000; out of the tribe of Gad 12,000; out of the tribe of Ash’er 12,000; out of the tribe of Naph’ta∙li 12,000; out of the tribe of Ma∙nas’seh 12,000; out of the tribe of Sim’e∙on 12,000; out of the tribe of Le’vi 12,000; out of the Is’sa∙char 12,000; out of the tribe of Zeb’u∙lun 12,000; out of the tribe of Joseph 12,000; out of the tribe of Benjamin 12,000 sealed. After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:4-9 (NWT)

I will start our analysis of Revelation 7 by allowing Greek scholar Spiros Zodhiates to share with us what the above passage, in context, is actually communicating. This is taken from his book, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible —New American Standard Bible (pg. 1680):

“This contains the parenthetical portion between the sixth and seventh seals mentioning two distinct groups: (1) The 144,000, which are sealed, are from the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. This does not mean that the number of Israelites who will be saved will be limited to 144,000. Rather, it refers to 12,000 out of each tribe who are sealed from the wrath of Satan and the antichrist. These are called ‘the first fruits to God and to the Lamb’ (Rev. 14:4). (2) A great multitude, without naming the exact number from all nations as distinct from the nation of Israel, will also be saved. These are described as ‘the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (Rev. 7:14).”

In Revelation 7, Scripture describes two groups: the numbered 144,000 sealed who come from the literal twelve tribes of the Nation of Israel (the tribes are named), and an unnumbered great crowd who come out of all nations. Both are seen coming out of the Great Tribulation; both wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The Watchtower asserts that the 144,000 is a literal number, representing those who are heaven-bound after death. However, they do not take literally who (what people) make up the 144,000, even though that information is specifically set forth in verses 5-8. In other words, the Watchtower insists that verse 4 is literal, but verses 5-8 are not. Then they revert back to a literal position for verse 9 (concerning the great crowd).

However, the Bible message is very clear. Jehovah even distinguishes both groups by name: natural Jews and those of the Gentile nations. Nowhere in this biblical passage or context do the Scriptures communicate that the 144,000 are heaven-bound — only that they are seen coming out of the Great Tribulation. There is no reference to them going to heaven.

Since the Watchtower’s interpretation is not supported by Scripture, their dogma questions God’s ability to communicate. Essentially, the Organization is calling Jehovah a liar. They not only contradict Him, they replace His message to mankind with their own.

If we listen to Jehovah Himself, He explains who the 144,000 are and from where they come:

“And I said to him, ‘My lord, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:13-14

Scripture clearly contradicts the Watchtower’s doctrine regarding the 144,000. Jehovah explicitly states that this group does not even appear until the Tribulation. Hence, they are not even known until that terrible time of future history. Why is this, and what is their function?

In his book, Israelology: The Missing Link In Systematic Theology (pg. 537), Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Th.M., Ph.D., helps us further identify the 144,000:

“This is an exact number because of their special role in the Tribulation. They are sealed for the purpose of being preserved through the Tribulation and, therefore, ‘are not subject to death.’ For that reason, they ‘must be viewed as a separate company.’ … Because these are set apart by God as special witnesses, then there should be no problem with such a specific number like 144,000, and no reason not to take that figure literally. The 144,000 are to be viewed as being ‘part of the remnant of Israel, but not the entire remnant itself.’ This is obvious from at least one fact alone: the 144,000 are saved at the beginning of the Tribulation, while the nation or ‘the remnant’ of Romans 11:26 is not converted until the second advent of Christ. Furthermore, these 144,000 are not only a part of the remnant, they ‘are ministering as sealed witnesses immediately after the church has been raptured.’ … The 144,000 in Revelation seven are ‘set apart … before the great tribulation begins’ and are ‘sealed at the very outset of the tribulation period.’ The myriad of Gentiles saved ‘come to a knowledge of salvation through the ministry of this group.’ In Revelation 14, the same 144,000 are viewed as being with the Messiah in the Messianic Kingdom. These 144,000 Jews are called firstfruits which means ‘they are the first of the harvest of the tribulation period that will come into the millennium to populate the millennial earth.’ They are the firstfruits of many more Jews to come to saving faith. … The specific destiny of the remnant is the Messianic Kingdom when their Messiah will rule over them from the Throne of David.”

From the above, it is clear that the 144,000 do not appear until the Great Tribulation and are chosen because of their special role during the Tribulation period. Thus, the Organization’s position that the 144,000 are Watchtower members destined for heaven fails to find support from Scripture and, therefore, cannot be correct.

The “Other Sheep”

Now we will analyze John 10:16 by addressing the following questions:

(1) Who are the “other sheep”?
(2) Why are they called “other sheep”?
(3) Does the context of John Chapter 10 support the Watchtower “other sheep” doctrine?

To avoid any misunderstanding about the Organization’s position with respect to the identity of the “other sheep,” their doctrine is set forth below:

Identifying the Great Crowd …

“In 1923, Jehovah’s servants discerned that ‘the sheep’ of Jesus’ parable found at Matthew 25:31-46 and the ‘other sheep’ to which he referred as recorded at John 10:16 are people who would have the opportunity to live forever on earth. In 1931 those described at Ezekiel 9:1-11 as being marked in their foreheads were also seen to be those with the earthly hope. Then in 1935 it was learned that the great crowd form part of the other sheep class Jesus spoke about. Today, this favored great crowd numbers in the millions.’” (wt chap. 13 pp. 120-127 – Worship God wt)

Man’s opinions and their interpretation of Scripture cannot usurp God’s intended message. The Bible is and must always be our ultimately authority. Therefore, the Watchtower’s doctrine must be supported within the context of the Scripture they quote from; otherwise, their theology is nothing but a man-made doctrine which is condemned by God, because the true message Jehovah is communicating through Scripture is not being accurately represented.

I want to begin by discussing my third question (does the context of John Chapter 10 support the Watchtower “other sheep” doctrine). According to the Watchtower’s article, the “other sheep” do not receive a heavenly reward but an earthly one. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that only a certain number are destined for heaven (that is, 144,000). The remainder of Watchtower members fall into the category of the “other sheep,” and they are told that they do not receive a heavenly reward after death but will live forever on earth.

As we examine John 10:16, we will look for any support of the Watchtower’s teaching regarding the “other sheep:”

“And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd.” John 10.16

Jesus Christ is communicating here that He has other sheep who will listen to Him and will become part of the one flock. However, this Scripture and its surrounding context fail to address who they are or their final destination after death. So where did the Watchtower learn that information? What biblical passage teaches that the “other sheep” live on earth? From where or whom did the Organization gain the discernment that Christ meant these “other sheep” would not live in heaven but on earth? Similarly, the Watchtower has said, “in 1935 it was learned that the great crowd form part of the other sheep class Jesus spoke about.” Where did they gain this knowledge? Who told the Watchtower that the people of all nations coming out of the Great Tribulation were the “other sheep” Christ was referring to at John 10:16?

Before I continue, I want to illustrate why it is imperative to understand the context which surrounds any biblical verse quoted. The “why” of this will paint an indelible picture in your mind. In my example, I will bring two verses together (by pulling them out of their original context), and then I will form a doctrine around the message I want delivered. The verses I will use are Matthew 27:5 and Luke 10:37:

Matthew 27:5: “And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.”

Luke 10:37: “And he said, ‘the one who showed mercy toward him.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’”

By combining these two verses, an erroneous doctrine can be created:
Jesus Christ taught that suicide was biblically-approved.

Obviously, this is an extreme example, but it demonstrates a dangerous practice called collapsing context. This is the method used by the Watchtower in creating their interpretation of the 144,000. They combine John 10 with Revelation 7, even though these two passages have individual and separate contextual meanings. The context of John 10 and the context of Revelation 7 involve different settings, time frames, audiences and discussions — they have absolutely nothing to do with each other. By collapsing (ignoring) the context of these passages, the Watchtower disregards the art and science of correct biblical hermeneutics (i.e., whenever interpreting Scripture, you cannot pull a Scripture out of its original context and bring it alongside a different context of Scripture to form a doctrine.) In doing this, the Watchtower creates an erroneous doctrine.

Organizations (like the Watchtower) who practice this method substitute God’s truth for their own man-made doctrine and inflict spiritual harm on the unwary and innocent. Please protect yourself from being misled. How? By reading the entire context of the passages being discussed.

Now turning to my first two questions:

Who are the “other sheep” Christ spoke of …
and why are they called the “other sheep”?

When the Gospel was first preached, it was only preached to the Nation of Israel, although most of the Jews rejected Christ as the Messiah. However, Christ assured us that other sheep would listen to Him and they, too, would be included in the one flock. So who was He referring to? The Gentiles (the rest of mankind). It was the Gentiles who would later be given a chance to accept Jesus Christ, and the ones that did accept Him, Christ referred to as the “other sheep.”

“The eye that Christ had to the poor Gentiles. He had sometimes intimated his special concern for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but, saith he, I have other sheep. Those who in process of time should believe in Christ, from among the Gentiles, are here called sheep … Christ speaks of those other sheep to take off the contempt that was put upon him, as having but a little flock, and therefore, if a good shepherd, but a poor shepherd: ‘But saith he, ‘I have more sheep that you see.’” Matthew Henry’s Commentary (pg .1564)

In John 10:16, Jesus Christ was simply saying that the Jews were not the only sheep. When the time was right, the Gentiles would also come into the one fold. They were called “other sheep” because they were not Jews. To read anything else into this passage would be improper. Nowhere in the context of John 10 does Jesus Christ inform us that these “other sheep” are something other than what the passage is communicating. They are called other sheep because they were not part of the original Nation of Israel fold. The Gentiles would also listen to His voice and as Christ said, “they shall become one flock with one shepherd.”

Conclusion

Now that we have compared the Watchtower teachings concerning the 144,000 to Scripture, it is obvious that the Organization’s doctrines are not supported by the Inspired Word of Jehovah. Nevertheless, to further illustrate the erroneousness of their 144,000 doctrine, we can look to history itself. The Watchtower asserts that the 144,000 started to be fulfilled in the first century and was completed by 1935 (about 2,000 years later).

But ask yourself, how many Christians accepted Christ in the first century? The answer is 500,000!

According to some published material, 500,000 Christian were accounted for in the first century, and 7.5 million accepted Jesus Christ during the first three centuries. Yet the Watchtower insists that the 144,000 number was not fulfilled until the year 1935 (which is within the 20th century). When I mentioned this fact to a former member of the Watchtower and close friend of mine, he said, “I don’t understand.”

I explained it to him this way: If the door for the great crowd did not open until 1935 (waiting for the 144,000 number to be completed), where did the 500,000 go in the first century, or for that matter, where did the 7.5 million go during the first three centuries? Christians at that time were eaten by lions, burned at the stake to light Nero’s torches, and made to drink boiling hot oil … yes, these Christians were martyred because they were faithful to Jesus Christ. With that, my friend replied, “Oh, I get it now … I understand … the 144,000 number would have been completed during the first century.” So as you can see, history also contradicts the Watchtower’s 144,000 doctrine.

The Bible teaches us that anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will live in heaven once they die.

“we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

Greek scholar Spiros Zodhiates has this to say about the context of 2 Corinthians 5:1-10:

“This passage tells us very clear what happens to the believer when he dies. He goes to be with the Lord, The chapter is closely connected with v. 18 of the previous chapter in which we are told to look at the things which cannot be seen with the physical eye.”

Therefore, everyone accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is guaranteed an eternal future in heaven when they die.

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Cochise’s NEW Cause …

August 4, 2013

My NEW Cause is MONUMENTAL but with the Lord’s blessing, NOTHING is impossible!   As you all know, I am now taking seminary courses from Professor Freddy.  It gives me more on which to draw from biblically.  In other words, the How To in biblical understanding.  His mission and passion is teaching and equipping the brethren.  If more pastors (I say this in all love) spent more time teaching the “Why we believe What we believe,” cults would loose their hold.  My idea and NOW Cause and Mission: Provide FREE seminary teaching and training to the body of Christ on a large scale.

Provide a place to be trained and biblically taught, thus equipping God’s people to defend true biblical doctrine from cult doctrine (Watchtower, Mormon, etc.), and learn ALL subjects taught in seminary style.  This CAUSE which will bless the body of Christ, is now my prime focus.

We all need money to live, and our economy has placed millions out of work. My Cause needs money to build, and people need work to live. My idea and solution for helping both financially is using the Pure Leverage vehicle.  As one penny is doubled each day for thirty days, it turns into over Five Million Dollars.

The POWER of The PEOPLE (aka MLM), the Pure Leverage vehicle, will accomplish the same kind of wealth IF EVERYONE participates.  It is that simple.  Join me, and let us together, create incomes for people (THROUGH OUR PARTICIPATION), and then donate $.10 cents on every dollar you earn to this CAUSE.  If we ALL join ranks and participate (that is the secret ingredient) spreading our Cause, with God’s blessing, people will join because the reason for making money is bigger than themselves, consequently, both financial needs will be met. I cannot do this myself.  It is much-too-big.  I pray that you see the importance of both undertakings.  For more information, go to my site and click on opportunity for a deeper look: http://www.pureleverage.com/brokenomore53

JOIN ME to HELP People financially, AND, provide a FREE teaching institute for the body of Christ by Professor Freddy … 

Your bother in Christ,

Cochise

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SEE and TALK To Cochise FACE To FACE on Christianity 101, on 5-5-13 at 3:00pm (PST)!!

May 5, 2013

Hello everyone!!  I wanted to invite all my subscribers to the Christianity 101 program today, May 5, 2013, at 3:00PM (PST).  No need to call in because, those with a computer can now log into the program and WATCH the entire program on their computer screens.  Yes, like a television program.  AND, anyone wanting to come up on stage with me, CAN!!  The audience (those just watching on their computer screens) will be able to SEE and HEAR you,  too.  So, make sure you dress for the occasion.

Note: If you computer does not have a cam, you will still be able to see me … but, if your computer does not have speakers, no sound will come through.

Those wanting to join me on their computers, click the link below, and after you do, type your name where asked so I know you are in the audience.  I hope to see all you there today as this is the debut of new technology on Christianity 101 …

Oh, I almost forgot … those only wanting to see and hear this new technology, can, but are also able to communicate with me through texting on their screens.  I hope you all come today and support me on this debut … LOVE to everyone and God Bless Us All

Here is the link:

http://login.meetcheap.com/conference,33655540

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The Bible Verses Watchtower Doctrines

March 16, 2013

Hello everyone.  Here are some of the soon-to-be-posted articles that will appear on my site and which, will all be biblically analyzed.    The topics will include but are not limited to:

Who are the 144,000?

Heaven and Hell

How To Receive Eternal Salvation … How The Gift is Given

The Purpose of The Great Tribulation

Armageddon

What is a Christian (According to Jesus Christ)

The 1,000 year reign of Christ

The Faithful and Discreet Slave

The Trinity Doctrine (Who is Jehovah, Jesus Christ, and  Holy Spirit)

These are but a few more subjects that will be biblically addressed in article form, and posted here on The Bible Vs The Watchtower …

 

Your brother in Christ,

Cochise

 

 

 

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CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

March 9, 2013

Hello everyone!!  I am glad to announce that my article “Christ’s Resurrection” has posted.  Please feel free to copy any article posted on my site.  The finished resurrection document brings me one step closer to refuting all major Watchtower doctrines using God’s word as the authority.  I am now working on the “Salvation” topic, and will post it too, very soon.   God bless everyone!  Your brother in Christ, Cochise

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Coming Soon!!

January 1, 2013

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!!  I wanted to let everyone know that my article on Michael the archangel is now posted.  It is a permanent article as opposed to my blog writings (it has it’s own page).  It takes time making sure all the dots and tees are crossed.  My beautiful wife, Melody, does all the editing.  As an attorney, her innate skills bring my articles to life. My next article is on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  After that, the Bible’s teaching on Salvation will post.  I will soon have every major Watchtower doctrine in article form.  My goal is to share all their teachings and compare them to what God’s Word communicates on the subject.  My last topic of Michael the archangel, now complete, is lengthy, but a subject that needed to be addressed.  I am very happy to announce it’s completion.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and please, hold your heads high because God is in control of the world’s affairs.  God Bless You!!

Your brother, Cochise

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70 Weeks of Years

November 12, 2012

70 Weeks of Years

Daniel 9:24-27

Messiah Appears As Predicted, But Who Is The Prince Who Is To Come? 

To be sure, the prophecy of Daniel 9 is exceptionally exciting.  It not only foretold the coming of the Messiah, but also foretells the coming of “the prince who is to come.”  In my opinion, it is one of the most illuminating and important prophecies in Scripture.

 Prophecy Under Discussion: 

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place. So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.  Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and sanctuary.  And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.  And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” Daniel 9:24-27.

Under the Watchtower interpretation, Daniel’s prophetic time clock began in the year 455 B.C. and culminated in the year 36 A.D., but this article will demonstrate why that is incorrect.  In fact, the prophecy has not yet culminated.

As part of the discussion, I will address the following questions: 

(1)  In What Year Did The Prophecy Begin?

(2)  How Long is the “70-Week” Period?

(3)  Is There a “Gap”(undisclosed period of time) Between the 69th and 70th Week?

(4)  Who is the “Prince Who Is To Come?”

The 70-Week Prophecy Revealed to Daniel was in Response

To His Prayer for the Nation of Israel 

When Daniel saw that the 70 years of the Jews’ captivity (as set forth in 2 Chronicles 36:21) was nearing an end, he realized that before the exiles could return to their homeland, they needed to confess and repent of their sin of disobedience before God.  (Lev 26:40-46)  While Daniel was making his petition (Daniel 9:4-19), the angel Gabriel appeared to give him understanding of the prophetic message concerning the 70 weeks (Daniel 9:24-27): “while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering.  And he gave me instruction and talked with me, and said, ‘O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding.’  At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.” (Daniel 9:21-23) 

As any Bible student knows, proper interpretation of Scripture is contingent upon understanding its biblical context.  In other words, to whom does the passage speak?  In this case, Daniel is thinking about the nation of Israel – he was praying for his people.  Since the prophecy was written for the nation of Israel, its culmination also rests with them.  In context, the prophecy speaks directly to the nation of Israel, not the Christian church.

Answer #1:  The prophecy began in 444 B.C.

In arriving at this conclusion, we start by looking at Daniel 9:25, which gives us the historical event needed to launch the prophecy into motion:

“So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.”

The historical event that launched this prophecy into motion was the issuing of a decree (or command) to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.  According to Dr. Harold W. Hoehner, Professor of Theology at Cambridge University, four decrees are mentioned in scripture, but the first three do not apply here:  (1) the decree of Cyrus,  (2) the decree of Darius, (3) the decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra, and (4) the decree of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah.

The historical event/decree referenced in Daniel 9:25 for the commencement of the 70 weeks is the decree of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah.  This is evidenced by several factors.  First, there is a direct reference to the restoration of the city (Neh 2:3, 2:5) and of the city walls and gates (Neh 2:3,8).  Second, Artaxerxes wrote a letter to Asaph to give materials to be used specifically for the walls (Neh 2:8).  Third, the Book of Nehemiah and Ezra 4:7-23 indicates that the restoration of the walls was done in the most distressing circumstances, as predicted by Daniel (Dan 9:25), and lastly, no later decrees were given by the Persian kings pertaining to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The date of this decree is provided in Nehemiah 1:1, which states that Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s desolate conditions in the month of Chislev (November/December) in Artaxerxes’ twentieth year.  Then later in Artaxerxes’ twentieth year, in the month of Nisan (March/April), Nehemiah reports that he was granted permission to restore the city and build its wall (Neh 2:1).  To have Nisan later than Chislev (in the same year) may seem strange until you realize that Nehemiah was using a Tishri-to-Tishri (September/October) dating method rather than the Persian Nisan-to-Nisan method.  Nehemiah was following what was used by the kings of Judah earlier in their history.  The method used by Nehemiah is confirmed by the Jews in Elephantine, who also used this method during the same time period as Nehemiah.  (S. H. Horn and L. H. Wood, “The Fifth-Century Jewish Calendar at Elephantine,” Journal of Near Eastern Studies, XIII, January, 1954, 4, 20.)

According to Dr. Hoehner, Artaxerxes’ father, Xerxes, died shortly after December 17, 465 B.C., and Artaxerexes immediately succeeded him.  Since the accession-year system was used, the first year of his reign under the PersianNisan-to-Nisan reckoning would have been Nisan 464 to Nisan 463, and according to the Jewish Tishri-to-Tishri reckoning, his first year would have been Tishri 464 to Tishri 463.  Thus, the twentieth year of Artaxerxes’ reign, mentioned in Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:1, occurred in Chislev (November/December) of 445 B.C., and the decree of Artaxerxes occurred in Nisan (March/April) of 444 B.C.  (Richard A. Parker and Waldo H. Dubberstein, Babylonian Chronology 626 B.C. – A.D. 75 (2nd ed.; Providence, 1956, p. 32; Herman H. Goldstine, New and Full Moons, 1001 B.C. to A.D. 1651 (Philadelphia, 1973, p. 47).  Since Artaxerxes began his rule Nisan 444 B.C., the prophecy time clock likewise started to run in 444 B.C.

How the Years are Counted

The 70 weeks of Daniel is understood to be 70 weeks of years (490 years to be exact).  Dr. Hoehner refines the original calculation presented by Sir Robert Anderson, using the 360-day year:  Multiplying the 69 weeks x seven years for each week x 360 days = 173,880 days.  The difference between 444 B.C. and 33 A.D. then is 476 solar years.  By multiplying 476 x 365.24219879 (or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45.975 seconds), you get 173,855.28662404 days (or 173,855 days, 6 hours, 52 minutes, 44 seconds).  This leaves only 25 days to be accounted for between 444 B.C. and 33 A.D.  By adding the 25 days to March 5 of 444 B.C., you come to March 30 of 33 A.D., which was Nisan 10 in 33 A.D.  This then is the date of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  (Dr. Harold W. Hoehner, “Chronological Aspects of The Life of Christ” pg.138.) 

The Messiah made His timely appearance as predicted by Daniel’s prophecy.  Zechariah 9:9 foretold the manner in which He would present Himself: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!  Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  The Messiah, Jesus Christ, during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem upon a donkey, fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy on Monday Nisan 10 (March 30) 33 A.D., and ended the 69 weeks of years (483 years).

Answer #2:  The 70-week period is 490 years, and has not yet culminated.

The last week (7 years) is the key here.  As a former member of the Watchtower, I did not know that there was a 7-year unfulfilled portion of Daniel 9.  The Messiah was cut off after the 69th week but not during the 70th week.

“If the cutting off of the Messiah occurred in the middle of the seventieth week, it is very strange that the cutting off is said to be after the sixty-nine weeks (figuring the sum of the seven and the sixty-two weeks).  Much more naturally the text would have read ‘during’ or ‘in the midst of’ the seventieth week, as it does in verse twenty-seven concerning the stoppage of the sacrifices.  The only adequate explanation for this unusual turn of expression is that the seventieth week did not follow on the heels of the sixty-ninth.  The crucifixion then comes shortly ‘after’ the sixty-nine but not within the seventieth because of an intervening gap.  The possibility of a gap between the sixty-nine and the seventieth weeks is established by the well-accepted OT phenomenon of prophetic perspective, in which gaps such as that between the first and second advents were not perceived.” (Guntry, p. 190)

Gap Between the 69th and 70th Weeks

This leads into our third question:  Is there an undisclosed gap of time between the 69th and 70th weeks?  To explain this, I turn your attention to what our church fathers taught (quoting Dr. Thomas Ice):

“In this final installment on the seventy weeks of Daniel, I want to deal with the history of the church’s interpretation of it. What has the church believed about this passage down through the years. One of the main reasons for spending time on this matter is that some have said that our view that sees a gap of time between the sixty-ninth and seventieth weeks of Daniel is a recent development in church history. Truth of the matter is that it is the oldest known view in church history. Read on and see.

… it is clear ‘that in Irenaeus [130-200 A.D.] and Hippolytus we have the originators of that method of interpretation that places the seventieth week of Daniel at the time of the consummation.’  Irenaeus speaks of how ‘three years and six months constitute the half-week’ in his section on the prophecy of Daniel 9. This is why Knowles says that in Irenaeus ‘we have the basic concept for a futuristic construction of the Seventy Weeks, viz., the position of the last week at the end of the age.’ Hippolytus, Irenaeus’ pupil is even clearer.

Hippolytus is the first known person in the history of the church to write a commentary on any book of the Bible, and he wrote on Daniel. “Hippolytus give us the first attempt at detailed interpretation of the Seventy Weeks,” observes Knowles. “He is dependent, no doubt, upon Irenaeus for the foundational proposition that the last half-week of the seventy is to be connected with the Antichrist, but the detailed development is not found in Irenaeus.” In fact, Hippolytus refers to a gap or, in his words “division,” multiple times. Hippolytus says,

For when the threescore and two weeks are fulfilled, and Christ is come, and the Gospel is preached in every place, the times being then accomplished, there will remain only one week, the last, in which Elias will appear, and Enoch, and in the midst of it the abomination of desolation will be manifested, viz., Antichrist, announcing desolation to the world. … ‘Certainly Hippolytus’ interpretation does not have the refinements of the later development, but it is the direct ancestor of it,’ concludes Knowles.

In one sense it does not matter what others who have come before our current generation think on an issue, since in reality a matter rises or falls upon whether it squares with God’s Word. However, in another sense it does matter what others have thought down through church history, since if something is taught in the Bible then it may be legitimate to ask why others have not understood a particular teaching. While there are a number of doctrines that have gone well over a thousand years before members of Christ’s church have come to realize what was there in Scripture all along, the necessary gap of time between the sixty-ninth and seventieth weeks of Daniel is not one of those late teachings.

Answer #3:  Yes, there is a “gap of time” separating the 69th week of years from the last seven years of the prophecy.

The “Prince Who Is To Come”

Who is the “prince who is to come” referenced in Daniel’s prayer?  Daniel says of this person:  “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” (Daniel 9:27) 

We can appreciate for many reasons that Daniel is not referring to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  This scripture mentions a covenant that will be made with the nation of Israel in the future and broken.  That covenant involves the last 7 years, also known as the Great Tribulation.  When the Messiah appears at the second coming, the nation of Israel accepts Jesus Christ as their Messiah during the prophecy’s apex.  At that time the prophecy will culminate, and the Messiah will finish the transgression, make an end of sin, make atonement for iniquity, bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and anoint the most holy place.  All of these have reference to the nation of Israel, but none of has been fulfilled.  Israel has not yet finished her transgression or been purged of her iniquity.  Nor has she experienced the everlasting righteousness promised her.  The apostle Paul sees this as a future reality:  “For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.’ AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.”  (Romans 11:25-27)

Answer #4:  The “prince” spoken of here is the Antichrist.

According to Matthew 24:15, Jesus said, “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place,” this was to take place after His ministry on earth.  He spoke of the appearance of the abomination of desolation in the Jerusalem temple as a signal of the Great Tribulation, which is immediately followed by Christ’s second advent: “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30)

It is true that Jerusalem suffered destruction in 66-70 A.D., but Christ did not return in 70 A.D.  In fact, the Book of Revelation speaks of Jerusalem’s desolation as yet future and not as having been fulfilled nearly a quarter century before its composition.  (Gundry, pp. 190-91)

“A careful study of this text (Daniel 9:24-27) will show that the first 483 of the 490 years are now history, having been fulfilled at the time of the first coming of the Messiah.  However, there are seven years left to run in God’s prophetic time clock for Israel.  These are the same seven years as those of the Great Tribulation.  The issue now is: What is the one event that begins these last seven years ticking away?  Daniel 9:27 answers that question.  This verse speaks of an individual making a seven-year covenant with the Jewish nation.  The he refers back to its nearest antecedent which is the prince that shall come in verse 26.  This person is better known in Christian circles as the Antichrist.  When the Antichrist signs a seven-year covenant with Israel, the last seven years of God’s prophetic time clock for Israel begin ticking away.  This and only this is the starting point of the seven years of the Tribulation.” (Israelology, The Missing Link In Systematic Theology, by Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Th.M., Ph.D., pg. 769.)

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Is Michael The Archangel Jesus Christ? (Revised)

September 29, 2012

Is Michael Jesus Christ?  

 “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2Tim. 3:16,17, NWT) 

 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17 NASB)

Question: Do you believe that Scripture is God breathed for teaching, correcting, and training, so we as His people are fully educated on what He teaches and instructs?  I ask this question because some say absolutely but in application or real life (real time), man’s biblical teachings trump God’s breathed scriptural communication.

Let us imagine for a moment that God called (you) on the phone.  God wanted to become your personal instructor and asked: “Would you like Me to instruct this course?”  He then provided you His personal training manual.  This manual was not an ordinary instruction booklet.  To the contrary, it was “The Instruction Manual.” Nothing on earth could trump the absolute truth found from every word on every line of every page. Within the binding of this “Instruction Manual” (66 books in total, yes, the Bible), God told man everything He wanted them to know. Therefore, is Michael the archangel Jesus Christ according to the Authority (God’s Breathed Word)?

The Watchtower Position

 “there is Scriptural evidence to concluding that Michael was the name of Jesus Christ before he left heaven and after his return.” (WT May 15, 1969, pg 307)

“Michael the great prince is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.” (WT 12-15-84, pg 29

The Watchtower Invitation

“The Watchtower invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures.” (WT 8-15, 1950 WT, pg 263)

“We should prove by the word of God whether the things found in the Watchtower are from man or from the Lord!” (WT May 1, 1934 WT, pg 131)

To be sure, the Watchtower invites a critical examination of their theology in light of Holy Scripture.  So, never feel uncomfortable about investigating and questioning Watchtower teachings.  They themselves invite you to examine their theology using God’s Breathed Word.  That said, however, their Bible must not be used.  Finding truths must not include biased materials.  I would use other Bibles for examination purposes. However, use their Bible for comparison purposes.  Let us then, together, examine the Holy Scriptures and find out if Michael the archangel is Jesus Christ according to the Watchtower organization.

I would like to begin our investigation with a question.  Question:  What does God’s Breathed Word say about angels ruling man?  Is the human race in subjection to angels?  Have angels ever ruled man?  In other words, are angels permitted to rule and have man in subjection to them? Does God permit it?

We are not interested in what man has to say on the subject (man’s breathed word).  We are only interested in God’s answer (remember 2 Tim. 3:16).  Let’s find out.  Turn with me to Hebrews 2:5: “For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking.”  The NWT reads: “For it is not to angels that he has subjected the inhabited earth to come, about which we are speaking.” In other words, God is saying angels do not rule man … and will not rule man in the future!!

God’s breathed word teaches us that man will never be subjected to the authority of angels.  Angels will never rule over man.  God Said It … Not Me.  So, thus far and we’ve just begun, no angel (which includes Michael the archangel), will ever have man under their subjection / rule over man.  Let us think about that as we continue our discussion.  I ask again: Question: Do you believe 2Tim. 3:16,17, NWT: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, forsetting things straight (in other words, man’s truth vs God’struth), for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent (competent in what, in what God teaches), completely equipped for every good work.” (my words in  parenthesis) 

Angels Cannot Be Worshipped. 

 “At that I fell down before his feet to worship him.  But he tells me: ‘Be careful!  Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus.  Worship God; for the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.’” Rev. 19:10, NWT, (Also Rev. 22:9)

Turn with me to Daniel

Let us not stop here but continue on with what Daniel says about Michael. 

Daniel 10:13 reads: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”  The WT teaches that Michael, here, was Jesus Christ (before becoming man), angel, human, angel 

Daniel 12:1 reads: “Now at the time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise.  And there will be time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”

Question: Where in the text of Daniel 10 and 12 does God’s Breathed Word say that Michael (one-of-the-chief-princes) is Jesus Christ?  The answer: It doesn’t.  So, to posture and assert a position that Jesus Christ is Michael from the text is nothing less than heretical.  Jesus Christ isn’t even mentioned in the context.

VINES Complete Expository Dictionary, pg.36: archangelos (743) “is not found in the OT, and in the NT only in 1Thess. 4:16 and Jude 9, where it is used of Michael, who in Daniel is called ‘one of the chief princes,’ and ‘the great prince’ (Sept,.‘the great angel’), 10:13, 21; 12:1. Cf. also Rev. 12:7 … Whether there are other beings of this exalted rank in the heavenly hosts, Scripture does not say, though the description ‘one of the chief princes’ suggest that this may be the case; cf. also Rom. 8:38; Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16, where the word translated ‘principalities’is arche, the prefix in archangel (from Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 142).  In 1Thess. 4:16 the meaning seems to be that the voice of the Lord Jesus will be of the character of an ‘archangelic’ shout.’”

In fact, since Michael is “one of the chief princes,” this indicates that there are others.  He (Michael) just happens to be named in Scripture.   Christ is referred to as “Unique” in John 3:16 (monogenes), one-of-a-kind.  He is not “one-of-the-chief-princes” (Jesus Christ is never called a “Chief Prince), He is “Unique” according to John 3:16; He is One-of-a-kind, not “one of many.  To the contrary, Jesus Christ is called King, Lord, and Savior.  We have already learned that angels cannot rule over man and cannot be worshipped.  Michael the archangel is never called King … Michael the archangel cannot be called King, and Lord, because angels never rule over man (Kings, and Lords rule).

Jesus Christ is never referred to as a mere chief prince (among many), but as Revelation 19:16 reads: “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  This is a title that indicates absolute sovereignty and Authority … King of Kings / Lord of Lords is much higher in authority than a mere “Chief Prince” (who is one among many).  The first one has absolute sovereignty and authority; the latter has derived, limited authority.

That said, Jesus Christ, according God’s Breathed Word, cannot be Michael … Why …  Because, Jesus Christ is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, and RULES over man (angels according to Heb. 2:5 will never have man under their subjection, thus, will never rule man).

What About 1Thess. 4:16? 

NWT: “Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.” (1Thess. 4:16)

KIT: “Because very (one) the Lord in command, in voice of archangel and in trumpet of God, he will come down from heaven, and the dead (ones) in Christ will stand up first.” (1Thess. 4:16)

“BECAUSE HIMSELF THE LORD WITH A CRY OF COMMAND, WITH A VOICE OF AN ARCHANGEL AND WITH A TRUMPET OF GOD, WILL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN AND THE DEAD N CHRIST WILL RISE FIRST.” (The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament)  (1Thess. 4:16)

We have already learned from Hebrews 2:5, I will read it again so there is no misunderstanding: The NWT reads: “For it is not to angels that he has subjected the inhabited earth to come, about which we are speaking.” (Hebrews 2:5)

What is God’s Breathed Word communicating to us in 1Thess: 4:16?  I will describe it in military terms: Christ (King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and rules over man) comes with a cry of command (The General Commanding) voice of archangel (The General’s officer sounds out), Trumpet of God (Christ comes with total Authority).

Note: If the “voice” of an archangel represents identity, to be consistent then, the words “with the trumpet of God” must represent Deity (to be accurate).   I’m not saying this passage speaks of the Deity of Christ, but since the WT takes only half of the scripture (and interprets it), and ignores the second half, I will take the second half and make an assumption (I will do as the WT does); since the trumpet of God is also being held, Christ must be God.  Make sense?  Of course it doesn’t.  This passage neither teaches Christ is Michael the archangel or God.  Although the Scriptures teach Jesus Christ is God, this passage is not one of them.  Remember, I did exactly what the WT did.

Who Then Is Jesus Christ If Not Michael The Archangel?

Let us dig deeper into our investigation.  Turn with me to Isaiah 44:24: (NWT) “This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser and the Former of you from the belly; ‘I, Jehovah, am doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth.  Who was with me?’”

NASB: “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, ‘I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself, And spreading out the earth all alone.”

The Lord, God, Jehovah, made everything … all alone, and He even said, “Who was with me?”  I will come back to this passage of scripture in a minute.

Let us now turn to Colossians 1:15,16, Notice what the KIT reads: “because in him it was created the all (things) in the heavens and upon the earth, the (things) visible and the (things) invisible, whether thrones or lordships, or governments or authorities; the all (things) through him and into him it has been created.”

NWT: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all (other) things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities.  All (other) things have been created through him and for him.

Before going on, please read 2Tim: 3:16 again below:

 “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight (man’s truth vs God’s truth), for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent (competent in what, in what God teaches), completely equipped for every good work.”(2Tim. 3:16,17, NWT) (Parenthesis are mine)

 

Question: Does God Make Mistakes?

Please Listen To This Next Statement Very Closely 

First and foremost, the WT in reality, according to 2 Tim 3:16, believes that God’s word is God Breathed, “only when” it affirms / agrees with Watchtower theology.  Let me explain:  In essence, the WT is telling us that “The Teaching Manual (God’s Breathed Word, the Bible), failed.  God failed to accurately communicate Christ’s true identity.  How?  God forgot to insert the word “other” in Colossians Chapter 1:16.  God made a mistake.  When He inspired the apostle Paul to write the letter, He forgot to inspire Paul to write the word “other” in the text.  The Watchtower caught God’s mistake and corrected it.  God was saved through His Organization by their correction of His oversight.

This is how God was corrected: the Watchtower inserted the word “other” in the text.  They placed brackets around the word “other” indicating that the word did not appear in the original writings (God’s Breathed Word).  In essence, by adding to God’s word the word “other,” it changed the entire meaning of what God was communicating.  God’s error communicated Christ as the Creator (He created all things).  The Watchtower, however, came along and corrected what God had originally spoken.  According to the Watchtower, God didn’t mean Christ created all things (making Him the Creator), He meant, Christ created all other things (making him only a thing).  This of course changes the entire meaning of the text.

Christ, now, becomes a thing instead of God’s original teaching: Christ created all things, (again, making Him the Creator).  The Watchtower takes a giant leap of insanity.  They assume that they have the authority to correct God’s Breathed Word.  In this case, they believe 2 Ti. 3:16 “only when” it affirms their theology, that of, Christ is Michael the archangel.

Note: Scholars have added words into the text.  However, that said, it is only done for clarity purposes, and cannot be done if it changes the meaning of the text.

This reminds me of the Garden of Eden.  God said, “you will die.” Satan (the original serpent) contradicted God and said, “God made a mistake.” God meant “you will not die.”  Making a contrast here with our subject, God said Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things, but Satan said, no, God meant to say Jesus created all “other” things (making Jesus only a thing not the creator).  The question becomes: who are you going to believe … God’s Breathed Word or man’s breathed word (in this case the WT).

Question: Did God Inspire Paul To Teach Christ Created All Other Things or All things?

Getting back to Isaiah 44:24: “This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser and the Former of you from the belly; ‘I, Jehovah, am doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth.  Who was with me?’”

However, that said, the apostle Paul teaches us that Jesus Christ created all things: “And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation.  For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him.”  (Colossians 1:16) (NASB)

Isaiah teaches us that Jehovah created all things by myself.  Paul teaches us that Christ created all things.  God’s Breathed Word never lies.  Was Christ (according to the WT) Michael before He came to earth?  No, He was “The Word” Logos, in John 1:1.  He was God.  Even the NWT says the Logos was “a god” (which by the way in an incorrect rendering of the text) … It does not say the Logos was Michael.  Verse 14 of John 1 tells us that “The Word, Logos, God” became flesh and dwelt among man (tented with man).  Jesus Christ, according to God’s Breathed Word is God The Son, and is The Creator.

Remembering that nothing can trump God’s instruction manual (man or any organization), and because it is absolute truth, His students believe it over any man-man organization / person (s) or even an angel from heaven.  That said, God’s instruction manual teaches the Logos (The Word) in vs 14 became Jesus Christ … as the creator (unless you deny His authority teaching manual).  According to scripture, The Word (Jesus Christ) according to Paul’s words created Michael the archangel.

Question: To which of the angels did He ever say “THOU ART MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE?  And again, ‘I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON TO ME?’  And when He again brings the first-born in to the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’ And of the angels He says, ‘WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’  But of the Son He says, ‘THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.’”:  (Heb. 1:5-8) Read the whole context … through 14 (Heb 1:10-12 and Ps. 102:25-27 … applied to Jehovah in Psalms but applied to Jesus in Heb.)

Question: how do you explain Heb. 1:8: “But of the Son He says, THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER … vs. 9: THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE THEY COMPANIONS.”  (This was a quote from Ps. 45:6,7)

Who Only Receives Worship?

Exodus 34:14 “for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” 

Heb. 1:6: “And when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says. ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’”

Note: The angels worship Jesus Christ.  God the Father (Jehovah) calls His Son, God.  Jesus is God the Son, who receives worship, called King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and who is The Savior of the world.

 

Another Reason Michael Is Not Jesus Christ

Moses’ Body Dispute 

Jesus REBUKED Satan but Michael couldn’t …

Notice Jesus Rebuking Satan … “To express Sharp reproof / reprimand / Disaproval

Matthew 4:10: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan!  For it is written, YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” (The Greek word for “LORD” in this verse is kurios.  It is the standard word for Lord in the New Testament.  It is also a direct parallel to the word Yahweh of Jehovah in the Old Testament.  (Now, it’s crucial to note that while Jesus is called kurios (Lord) many times in the New Testament, Michael is never called kurios)

Jude 9: “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment but said, ‘THE LORD REBUKE YOU.’”

If Jesus could rebuke Satan, and Michael could not, this is proof positive that Michael is not Jesus.

Dr. Spiros Zodhiates says concerning Jude 9: “This refers to an unknown incident in which there was a dispute between the Archangel Michael and the devil concerning the burial of Moses’ body.  Jude related this incident to tell us that the archangel Michael did not bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ He wanted to show that neither we nor angels, no matter how hard we try, will be able to put the devil out of commission, but that his time is coming one day.  It is said of him in Rev. 20:2 that he will be bound for a thousand years during Christ’s millennial kingdom and that finally he is going to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10).

(Phil. 2:9-11 … Why couldn’t Michael rebuke Satan?  Because, Jesus Christ is Lord not Michael.

In conclusion, our investigation has proven Michael the archangel is none other than Michael the archangel.  Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is our Creator, Savior and is worshipped.  Jesus Christ created Michael the archangel.  God’s Breathed Word has spoken.  Who will you believe?  Will you believe 2 Tim. 3:16 or the Watchtower 3:16?  Only you can answer that question.  We will get into the trinity doctrine at another time.  This is all I have to share on this topic, but I could have said much, much more.

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