Jesus Explained Who He Was Before the Creation of The World
There is information about what existed before "Creation and Time" as we have come to know it and what will exist in the coming future and never end, as time becomes obsolete once more.
Blog Composed by (Kenneth Golden)
(((VIEW THE VIDEO SECTION BELOW)))
2. The rise of the Antichrist. After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8), a satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27).
3. The tribulation. A period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time period.
4. The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39).
5. The abomination of desolation. At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors.
6. The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of the tribulation, Jesus returns with the armies of heaven (Mark 14:62). He saves Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nation's fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21).
7. The judgment of the nations. Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46).
8. The binding of Satan. Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).
9. The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital.
10. The last battle. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time.
11. The Great White Throne Judgment. All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15).
12. The new creation. God completely remakes the heavens and the earth.
The Significance of Jesus' Prayer in John 17
Jesus' prayer in John 17 holds immense significance in the Bible. It provides a deep insight into the very nature and heart of Jesus as he communicates with his Father.
This chapter stands out as one of the most remarkable prayers ever recorded, encompassing themes of glory, majesty, and eternal life.
Unveiling the Heart of Jesus
John 17 portrays Jesus praying for himself, his disciples, and all future believers.
The prayer beautifully expresses his intimate relationship with God the Father and offers a glimpse into Jesus' divine mission and the nature of his oneness with the Father.
Through this prayer, Jesus reveals his deep desire for unity among his followers, emphasizing the importance of love and truth in their relationships.
He prays for their protection from the world's influences and requests that they may be sanctified by the truth of God's Word.
Themes of Glory and Majesty
Jesus' prayer in John 17 also incorporates powerful themes of glory and majesty.
He speaks of the glory he shared with the Father before the world began, highlighting his divine nature and preexistence.
Jesus prays that his followers may see and partake in this glory, experiencing the transformative power of God's presence in their lives.
The prayer showcases Jesus' humility and sacrificial love as he willingly submits to the Father's plan for salvation.
It portrays his desire to glorify the Father through his obedience, even in the face of imminent suffering and death on the cross.
Eternal Life Through Knowledge of God
Central to Jesus' prayer is the concept of eternal life. He defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom God sent.
This knowledge is relational in nature, implying a deep, personal connection with God that extends beyond the boundaries of time.
Jesus prays that those who believe in him may possess eternal life, dwelling in the presence of God for all eternity.
He emphasizes that eternal life is not merely an afterlife destination but rather a present reality that begins the moment one enters into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
Implications for Believers Today
The significance of Jesus' prayer in John 17 extends to believers in the present day.
It serves as an inspiration for unity among Christians, transcending denominational boundaries and emphasizing the importance of love and truth in our relationships with one another.
Furthermore, the prayer encourages believers to seek a deeper knowledge of God.
Recognizing that eternal life is not merely a distant future hope but a present experience in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus' prayer also highlights the sacrificial nature of Christian living, as we too are called to glorify God through our obedience and selfless love for others.
In his prayer, Jesus speaks of the glory and majesty he shared with God the Father before the world existed.
Jesus' prayer revealed a profound truth about his nature and relationship with God the Father.
In this prayer, Jesus spoke of the glory and majesty that he shared with the Father before the world even came into existence.
This declaration has significant implications for understanding Jesus' preexistence and equality with God.
Before delving into the deeper meaning of Jesus' words, it is important to recognize the context in which this prayer was made.
This particular prayer is known as the High Priestly Prayer or the Farewell Prayer, recorded in John 17.
It is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, a heartfelt conversation with his Father before his crucifixion.
By highlighting the glory and majesty shared with God the Father prior to the world's creation, Jesus is establishing his preexistence.
This concept may be difficult to grasp fully, but it affirms that Jesus was not a mere human being who came into existence at his birth on earth.
Instead, he transcends time and space, existing eternally alongside the Father.
John 17:5 (KJV) – "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
This verse explicitly states Jesus' claim to preexistence. He refers to the glory he had with the Father before the world began.
This shows that Jesus is not limited to a linear timeline but has existed alongside the Father for all eternity.
This concept of preexistence aligns with the biblical teaching on God's nature. In the Bible, God is described as uncreated and eternal.
He has no beginning or end, existing outside the constraints of time. By associating himself with the Father in this preexistent glory, Jesus asserts his equality with God.
This indicates his preexistence and equality with God.
Jesus' prayer is significant because it reinforces his claim to be equal with God.
By referencing the glory and majesty shared with the Father before the world began, Jesus implies his inherent divinity.
He existed as God before his incarnation as a human being.
Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, he repeatedly made statements that indicated his divine nature and equality with God.
The religious leaders of that time considered these claims blasphemous because they understood Jesus' implication.
He was claiming to be Yahweh himself, the God of Israel, in human form.
John 10:30 (KJV) – "I and the Father are one."
This verse encapsulates Jesus' claim to equality with God. He boldly states that he and the Father are one, signifying their unity of essence and nature.
This assertion further confirms Jesus' preexistence and his divine status.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus also displayed divine attributes that further affirm his equality with God.
He performed miracles, forgave sins, and demonstrated authority over nature and spiritual beings.
These actions demonstrated his divine power and authority, which can only belong to God.
By revealing his preexistence and equality with God through his prayer, Jesus invites us to examine his claims seriously.
He challenges us to see him not just as a moral teacher or a prophet, but as the divine Son of God who came to reveal the Father's love and offer salvation to humanity.
The Bible teaches that God is uncreated and eternal, and Jesus' prayer confirms his claim to be Yahweh Himself.
Within the Bible, God is described as the eternal and uncreated Creator of the universe.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This understanding of God's nature is foundational to the Christian faith.
In Jesus' prayer, he speaks of the glory he shared with the Father before the world existed.
By making this claim, Jesus aligns himself with the biblical understanding of God's eternal nature.
He declares his identity as God, the one who has no beginning or end.
This claim is consistent with other passages in the New Testament that affirm Jesus' deity. One such passage is found in Colossians:
Colossians 1:15-17 (KJV) – "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Here, Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God, the one through whom all things were created.
This language confirms his preexistence and reveals that he played an active role in the creation of the world.
Jesus' prayer affirming his preexistence and equality with God aligns with the teachings of the Old Testament as well. In Isaiah, Yahweh declares Himself as the only true God:
Isaiah 43:10 (KJV) – "'You are my witnesses,' declares the Lord, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'
By claiming the glory shared with God the Father before the world existed, Jesus is presenting Himself as Yahweh, the same God declared in the Old Testament.
He is uncreated, eternal, and the only true God.
Jesus' plea for glorification is not an expression of independence, but of continued dependence upon God the Father.
Although Jesus speaks of the glory and majesty he shared with God the Father, his prayer is not an assertion of independence or a desire to glorify himself apart from the Father.
On the contrary, Jesus' plea for glorification is a testament to his ongoing dependence upon and submission to God the Father.
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated his obedience to the Father.
He emphasized that his words and actions were in complete alignment with the Father's will:
John 5:30 (KJV) – "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."
Jesus acknowledged his reliance on the Father's guidance and direction. He sought to please the Father above all else, even when faced with great challenges.
This attitude of submission and dependence is reflected in his prayer for glorification.
Jesus' plea for glorification is not a desire to exalt himself for personal gain. Instead, it is a plea for the Father to manifest His glory through Jesus' life and mission.
It is an acknowledgment that the works and miracles Jesus performed were the result of the Father working through him.
John 14:10-11 (KJV) – "Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?
The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe in the evidence of the works themselves."
This passage illustrates the intimate relationship Jesus shares with the Father.
He attributes his words and deeds to the Father's presence in him.
Jesus' prayer showcases the harmonious relationship between the Father and the Son.
It emphasizes their unity in purpose and mission. Jesus' plea for glorification is not about self-promotion or asserting his own independence.
it is an expression of his ongoing dependence upon and obedience to God the Father.
The Vision of Jesus in the Book of Revelation
In the book of Revelation, John provides us with a remarkable account of his vision of Jesus in his heavenly majesty.
The description of Jesus' appearance and attributes in this vision serves to emphasize his immense grandeur and divine nature.
As someone who had known Jesus during his earthly ministry, John was undeniably overwhelmed by the sight of Jesus in his glorified state.
This awe-inspiring vision not only reaffirms Jesus' deity but also emphasizes the miracle of his incarnation.
John begins his account of the vision of Jesus by setting the scene in Revelation 1:9-10.
He tells us that he found himself exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith and was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day when the vision was revealed to him.
In Revelation 1:12-16, John describes the moment when he turned around to see the voice speaking to him and was met with the overwhelming presence of Jesus himself.
The description of Jesus' appearance in this vision is nothing short of breathtaking.
John tells us that Jesus was clothed in a long robe and had a golden sash around his chest.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.
In his right hand, he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face shone like the sun in all its brilliance.
The symbolism behind these physical attributes is rich with meaning.
The white hair symbolizes wisdom and purity, while the blazing fire eyes represent the penetrating and all-seeing nature of Jesus.
he bronze feet symbolize strength and stability, and the sound of rushing waters signifies the authority and power of Jesus' words.
The seven stars in his hand represent the seven angels of the seven churches, and the sharp double-edged sword symbolizes the power of his word and judgment.
It is important to note that John's reaction to this extraordinary vision was one of awe and astonishment.
In Revelation 1:17, John falls at Jesus' feet as though dead. This response is a testament to the overwhelming holiness and majesty of Jesus in his glorified state.
Despite having known Jesus intimately during his earthly ministry, John was completely overcome by the sight of Jesus in his heavenly splendor.
Through this vision, John's understanding of Jesus' true nature is deepened even further.
He bears witness to Jesus' divine attributes and recognizes that Jesus is not just a mere man, but the Son of God.
The vision solidifies Jesus' deity and confirms the miracle of his incarnation. It serves as a reminder of the unfathomable love of God, who stooped down to become human for the redemption of humanity.
Furthermore, this vision of Jesus in the book of Revelation provides comfort and hope for believers.
It reminds us that no matter how chaotic or uncertain the world may seem, Jesus is sovereign and in control.
I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
As we reflect on the vision of Jesus in the book of Revelation, we are invited to marvel at the splendor of our Lord and Savior.
We are encouraged to draw near to him with reverence and awe, knowing that he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
This vision serves as a powerful reminder of the greatness, glory, and majesty of Jesus, inspiring us to worship him wholeheartedly and surrender our lives to his lordship.
The Victory and Authority of Jesus
Jesus' prayer and the book of Revelation both emphasize the victory that Jesus has achieved over sin, death, and Hades.
It is through his sacrifice on the cross that Jesus secured eternal redemption for humanity and defeated the power of sin once and for all.
This victory sets him apart from any other being and establishes his authority as the Son of God.
In his prayer, Jesus acknowledges that he has accomplished the work that the Father had given him (John 17:4).
He prays for his disciples, who were chosen out of the world, and asks for their protection from the evil one (John 17:15).
This prayer reveals Jesus' victory over the world and the forces of darkness.
Through his death and resurrection, he overcame the power of sin, offering salvation to all who believe in him.
The book of Revelation further magnifies the victory of Jesus. It serves as a revelation of Jesus Christ, showing him as the one who holds the power and authority over all things.
In Revelation 1:18, Jesus declares, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and Hades." This imagery of holding the keys signifies Jesus' absolute control and victory over death and the realm of the dead.
Jesus' victory over sin, death, and Hades is unique and unparalleled. No other being, including the devil, possesses the keys to such authority.
Through his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus conquered death and opened the way for believers to experience eternal life and victory over the powers of darkness.
Keys to Absolute Control and Victory over Death
The concept of Jesus holding the keys to death and Hades is significant in understanding his victory and authority.
Ancient keys were symbols of control and access. A person who held the keys had the power to open or close a door, granting or denying entry.
In the case of Jesus, he holds the keys that unlock the realm of the dead and determine the fate of all humanity.
By possessing the keys to death and Hades, Jesus has complete control over these realms.
He has authority over life and death, and he alone has the power to grant eternal life to those who believe in him.
This authority extends beyond physical death and encompasses spiritual death as well, offering the hope of salvation and redemption to all who turn to him.
Through his victory over death, Jesus demonstrated his power over sin and his ability to conquer the forces of evil.
His death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice, offering forgiveness to all who repent and believe in him.
Jesus' resurrection validated his victory, proving that he had defeated death, and that eternal life is available to all who trust in him.
Authority that Sets Jesus Apart
The authority that Jesus possesses sets him apart from any other being in existence.
While the devil may exert influence and temptation in the world, he does not hold the keys to death and Hades.
Jesus, on the other hand, has ultimate authority over these realms, giving him the power to offer salvation and eternal life to all who come to him.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated his authority through numerous miracles and acts of compassion.
His authority was not derived from earthly or temporal powers, but from his divine nature as the Son of God.
Jesus' authority is not limited to the earthly realm but extends to the spiritual realm as well.
He has power over the devil and all demonic forces, making him the ultimate source of protection and deliverance for believers.
By surrendering to his authority and following him, believers can experience freedom from the bondage of sin and the power of the enemy.
Revelation of Jesus in the Book of Revelation
The book of Revelation serves as a revelation of Jesus Christ, unveiling his glory, power, and authority.
It showcases Jesus as the victorious Lamb who was slain, yet triumphed over death and now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.
The vision and imagery described in the book symbolize the ultimate victory of Jesus over the forces of evil.
Revelation emphasizes Jesus' authority and sovereignty over all creation. He is described as having eyes like blazing fire, a sign of his piercing and discerning gaze.
The book portrays Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, signifying his eternal existence and his place as the beginning and end of all things.
Jesus' victory and authority are central themes in the book of Revelation.
He is seen as the one who holds the seven stars (representing the angels of the seven churches) in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands (symbolizing the churches).
This imagery conveys his intimate involvement and care for his people, as well as his power and authority over the church.
The ultimate triumph of Jesus is depicted in Revelation 19:11-16, where he is described as riding a white horse and leading the armies of heaven.
He defeats the beast, the false prophet, and all who oppose him, establishing his kingdom and ushering in a new era of righteousness and peace.
The victory and authority of Jesus is a foundational truth of the Christian faith.
His sacrifice on the cross secured eternal redemption for humanity, offering victory over sin and death.
Through his resurrection, Jesus demonstrated his power over the forces of evil and his ability to grant eternal life to all who believe in him.
He holds the keys to death and Hades, signifying his absolute control and victory over the realms of the dead.
This authority extends to the spiritual realm, giving believers the assurance of protection and deliverance from the powers of darkness.
The book of Revelation serves as a revelation of Jesus Christ, showcasing his glory, power, and authority.
It highlights his triumph over the forces of evil and his ultimate victory as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
As believers, we can find hope and assurance in the victory and authority of Jesus, knowing that he holds the keys to eternal life and that he is in control of all things.
The Importance of Prophecy and Revelation
The Book of Revelation is a remarkable piece of literature that holds immense significance for believers.
It is not merely a collection of predictions about future events, but rather a divine revelation that unveils God's plans for redemption and the ultimate triumph of Jesus.
While some may dismiss prophecy as frivolous or irrelevant to our daily lives, it is crucial to understand that God intentionally chose to reveal this information to his servants.
By doing so, he demonstrates his deep concern for the future and his desire to guide and prepare his people.
Prophecy serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and his ultimate control over the course of history.
It affirms that he is not bound by time and space and has complete knowledge of what is to come.
As believers, we should pay attention to prophecy and seek to comprehend its implications for our lives.
The Book of Revelation: Predictive Prophecy
The Book of Revelation, often referred to as the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament.
It was written by the Apostle John, who was exiled on the island of Patmos.
This book stands out from the other biblical texts as it primarily consists of highly symbolic and visionary imagery.
Revelation contains numerous predictions and descriptions of future events, including the rise and fall of empires, the coming of the Antichrist, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
It offers a glimpse into the cosmic battle between good and evil, the ultimate victory of Christ, and the future redemption of God's people.
The purpose of these prophecies is not to satisfy our curiosity or to provide us with a detailed timetable of future events.
Instead, they invite us to trust in God's overarching plan of salvation and to recognize the significance of our present actions in light of eternity.
Revealing God's Concern for the Future
Prophecy reveals God's deep concern for the future and his desire to communicate with his people.
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God sent prophets to deliver messages about forthcoming events, warnings of judgment, or promises of hope and restoration.
God's revelations serve as a testament to his compassion and commitment to guide and protect his people.
They demonstrate that he is not a distant or indifferent deity but actively involved in the affairs of humanity.
Moreover, prophecy serves to build faith and hope in the hearts of believers. It reassures us that no matter how bleak the present circumstances may appear, God's ultimate plan for redemption will prevail.
It reminds us that our lives and actions have eternal significance and that our faithfulness in the midst of trials will be rewarded.
The Call to Pay Attention and Seek Understanding
As believers, it is essential for us to pay attention to prophecy and seek to understand its implications.
This requires an open heart, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to study and meditate on God's Word.
Studying prophecy can deepen our understanding of God's character and his plan for redemption.
It allows us to discern the signs of the times and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose.
We should not become obsessed with deciphering specific dates or events but focus on seeking a closer relationship with God and aligning our lives with his will.
Furthermore, the study of prophecy should never distract us from the core message of the gospel.
The ultimate purpose of prophecy is to point us to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of all God's promises and the hope of everlasting life.
Conclusion
The importance of prophecy and revelation cannot be overstated.
They provide us with a glimpse into God's divine plan, affirm his sovereignty, and reveal his deep concern for the future and his people.
As believers, let us approach prophecy with reverence and humility, seeking to understand its implications for our lives and living with a sense of hope, faith, and purpose as we await the ultimate triumph of Jesus.
Comments
Post a Comment