WHO IS GOD? WHAT IS THE BIBLE AND ITS MESSAGE? By B.L. Cocherell Contributor Vernon O. Jones

Transcription

1 WHO IS GOD? WHAT IS THE BIBLE AND ITS MESSAGE? By B.L. Cocherell Contributor Vernon O. Jones i

2 WHO IS GOD? WHAT IS THE BIBLE AND ITS MESSAGE? Copyright 2012 B.L. Cocherell Revised 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except as noted in the mission statement. ISBN Printed in the United States of America Morris Publishing 3212 East Highway 30 Kearney, NE, Book Number P15776 ii

3 PREFACE The Bible is unique. It is the only book that has the answers to the basic questions of life and claims to be written by the true God. This book tells humanity who its Creator is, why it was created, and its ultimate destiny. Although the Bible reveals the awesome purpose for human existence, it does so in a carefully coded message. The studies that we present reveal much of what is contained in these messages that has not been taught or understood since the demise and disappearance of the early church as a powerful spirit filled entity. OUR GOALS Our primary goal is to share our knowledge and understanding of the Sovereign God's plan and purpose for humanity with those who are interested in living their lives according to the law of God, not by the dictates and traditions of men. Our secondary goal is to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God as a warning and a witness to humanity before the Messiah returns to rule the earth. We hope that you will find this study of God's word intellectually challenging and spiritually enlightening and beneficial. If you want to know more about us, the work we are doing, or how you can participate in our biblically based educational and research projects, contact us at: www. BibleResearch.org or Sincerely, B. L. Cocherell iii

4 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Who Is The God Of The Holy Bible? 1 In The Beginning 1 The Mystery Of God 2 The Privileged Few 2 Who May Understand The Mystery? 3 The Mystery Of Christ 3 Who Is Jesus? 3 Who Is The Father? 4 A Mystery To Be Understood 4 Hidden Wisdom 4 The Identity Of God 5 There Is A God Family 6 The Gospel According To John 6 The Word Was With God 7 Heresies Of The Docetism And Gnostics 8 A Father-Son Relationship 8 John 5:18-26 KJV 8 Two, Not Three In The God Family 9 Two Separate Gods Doing Two Separate Works 9 A Warning 10 Jesus, God With Us 10 Jesus The Son Of God 10 The High Priest Zacharias 11 John The Baptist 11 Only God Can Forgive Sin 12 A God Becomes Flesh And Blood 12 Jesus The Creator God 13 John 8:21-25 KJV 13 'I Am', The Creator God 13 John 8:26-59 KJV 14 Jesus Said He Existed Before Abraham 16 Jesus The Creator, The Son, And The Savior 17 John 1:4-5, 6-9 KJV 18 John The Baptist 19 Jesus Says He Is The Messiah 19 Jesus, The Rock Of Israel 20 Jesus The Rock And Redeemer Of Israel 21 The Savior And Redeemer 22 The Father, Christ, And The Book Of Revelation 23 The Book Of Revelation 24 The Alpha And Omega 25 iv

5 Isaiah 48:12-13, 16-17, 20 KJV 25 Jesus Christ, The Alpha And Omega 25 Names And Titles And Their Meanings 26 The Alpha And Omega Was Dead And Now Lives 26 The Book Of Life 27 Jesus Rewards The Saints 27 At The Father's Throne 27 The Root Of David And Lamb Of God 28 Summary 29 Chapter 2 Jesus Reveals The Father 31 Authority From The Father 31 John 8:26-38 KJV 31 A Great Deception 32 Before Christ 33 No Human Has Seen God The Father 34 Adam And Eve Walked And Talked With God 34 Cain Spoke With The Creator 35 God Spoke To Noah 35 Conversations With Abraham 35 Jacob And The Creator 36 Moses, Aaron, And Israel 36 Moses And The Elders 37 Face To Face 37 The Creator's Glory 37 Jesus Sent To Reveal The Father 37 Christ Did Not Send Himself 38 Who Is The Father? 39 John 17:1-8 KJV 39 The Father Is In Heaven 40 What Is The Father Like? 40 The Father's Name 41 His Name Is Father 42 To Whom Did Jesus Pray? 42 Ask Of The Father In Jesus' Name 43 The Father's Message 43 The Message 44 Chapter 3 When Did Jesus Become The Son Of God? 45 The Conception Of Jesus 45 Matthew 1: Luke 1:30-35 KJV 46 v

6 The Power Of The Highest 46 Physical Conception 46 The Human Birth Of Jesus 47 Evidence 47 The God Who Became Human 47 Jesus The Creator God 47 Jesus Came From God 48 The Word Was God 48 The Word Made Flesh 48 God In The Flesh 48 Jesus' Baptism: A Spiritual Conception And Birth 49 God The Father's Firstborn 50 Before Christ's Death 50 The God Who Died 50 Alpha And Omega 50 The Resurrection Of Jesus 51 1.Corinthians 15:20, KJV 51 Summary 52 Chapter 4 Three Popular Beliefs About God 53 Trinitarianism 53 The Council Of Nicaea 53 The Facts About 1.John 5:7 53 Dualism 54 Monotheism 54 The Three Theories 54 Questions And Answers 55 The Godhead 55 The Everlasting Father 56 The Father Is Greater Than The Savior 56 Comment 56 The Holy Spirit 57 The Holy Spirit Is Power 58 Return To Glory 59 Angel Or God? 59 No Other God Formed 60 One God 60 The Oneness Of God 61 Comment 62 Chapter 5 What Is The Bible? 63 In The Beginning 63 The Mystery Of Human Existence 63 vi

7 A Well Kept Secret 64 Matthew 13:10-17 KJV 64 The Mystery Revealed 64 Instructions For Today And The Future 64 God And The Bible 65 Is There Evidence That The Bible Is True? 65 Biblical Accuracy 66 Historical Records 66 Science 66 Prophecy Validates The Bible 67 The Bible Endures 67 Bible Numerics 67 Unity Within The Bible 68 Jesus And The Bible 68 Comment: 69 God Speaks To Us 69 Jesus The Teacher 70 Other Inspired Writings 70 Additional Knowledge And Revelation 71 Summary 71 Chapter 6 Study The Bible 73 Bible Contradictions 73 Solving Contradictions 74 No Original Text Available 74 Textual Errors 74 The King James Version 75 Truth Will Endure 75 The Bible Interprets Itself 75 Precept Upon Precept 75 Continuity Of Truth 76 A Promise Of Jesus 76 Whom Shall God Teach? 76 Study For Spiritual Growth 76 Prerequisites And Requirements 77 Remove Obstacles To Learning 77 Ask For Truth And Guidance 78 Luke 11:9-13 KJV 78 Meditate On God's Word 79 Prove All Things 79 Summary 80 vii

8 Chapter 7 Bible Study Books And Reference Materials 81 Bibles 81 The 1611 King James Bible 81 Interlinear Bible 81 The NIV Bible 82 The LBP Bible 82 Bible Study Aids 82 Strong's Concordance 82 Theological Word Book 82 Theological Dictionary 82 Proof Of God And The Bible 83 Astronomy And The Bible 83 History 83 Mathematics Of The Bible 83 Science In The Bible 84 Translation Discrepancies And Omissions 84 Chapter 8 What Is The Purpose Of Human Life? 85 Did All That Exists Evolve Or Was It Created? 85 You Can Know! 86 Evolution As A Theory 86 The Creator And Science 87 What Is Life? 87 Matter 87 Symbiosis 88 The Atom And Creation 89 A World Full Of Proof 90 Instructions For Today And The Future 90 Biblical Accuracy 91 Prophecy 91 Bible Numerics 91 A Unique Book 92 The Mystery Of Human Existence 92 Matthew 13:10-17 KJV 92 The Mystery Revealed 93 Summary Of God's Plan For Humanity 93 Phase 1 94 Original Creation And Reconstruction 94 Phase 2 94 A New Start After The Flood 94 Phase 3 95 The Plan Revealed 95 viii

9 Phase 4 96 Ambassadors For Jesus Christ 96 Phase 5 97 The End Of Human Government 97 Phase 6 98 The Government Of God Comes To Earth 98 Phase 7 98 The Family Of God 98 Your Part In The Plan 99 Chapter 9 Salvation: The Secret To Eternal Life 100 The Reality Of Death 100 What Is Death? 100 Is Death The End? 101 The Hope Of Scientific Discovery 101 Humanity Needs Salvation From Eternal Death 101 Life After Death 102 Job 102 God Desires All To Be Saved 102 Sin A Major Obstacle To Salvation 103 The First Lie 103 Under The Law 103 Under The Sentence Of Death 104 None Righteous 104 Romans 3:10-20 KJV 104 God Has Had A Plan From The Beginning 105 The Sacrifice 105 The Shedding Of Blood 106 The Ancient Israelites 107 The Prophets And Writers 108 Salvation Through Justification 108 The Word Justify 108 God Is Our Salvation 108 The Righteousness To Be Revealed 109 Romans 3:20-31 KJV 109 Jesus, The Only Way To Salvation 110 The God Who Became Man 111 John 1:1-5, KJV 111 The God Who Died 111 Jesus Our Creator And Our Savior 112 Justified By His Blood Saved By His Life 113 Colossians 1:13-22 KJV 113 Our High Priest 114 ix

10 Salvation Is A Gift From God 115 God Desires To Save All Of Humanity 115 Jesus The Giver Of Life 115 Jesus Christ Is The Hope Of The Dead 116 Jesus The Righteous 116 Justification Through Faith And Works 117 There Is No Faith Without Works 118 James 2:11-24 LBP 118 Faith And Works 118 Believing And Doing 119 Summary 119 Escape The Death Sentence 120 Chapter 10 Introduction To The Gospel Messages 121 The Bible 121 Matthew 13: The Mystery Revealed 122 The Gospel Message 122 The Good News 122 The New Testament 123 A Witness 123 A Warning 123 Chapter 11 God The Father 124 The Mystery Of God 124 God Is A Family 125 Two Gods Doing Two Separate Works 125 Jesus Reveals The Father 126 Authority From The Father 126 John 8:26-38 Paraphrased 127 A Great Deception 127 Prior To Christ 128 The Father 129 The Father Is In Heaven 129 What Is The Father Like? 130 The Father's Name 130 John 17:1-8 KJV 130 It Is The Father's Message 131 The Message 132 Chapter 12 Before The Gospel 133 The Garden Experience 133 Genesis 3:1-7 Paraphrased 133 x

11 Death Through Sin 134 Under The Dominion Of The Law 135 Under The Sentence Of Death 135 None Righteous 136 Romans 3:10-20 KJV 136 What Is Sin? 136 The Standard For Perfection 137 Hope For The Hopeless 138 Chapter 13 The Gospel 139 Two Questions To Answer 139 The Beginning 140 John The Baptist 140 John's Mission 141 The Word And The Light 141 The Light Begins To Shine 142 Spiritual Darkness 143 I Am The Light 143 The Message 144 John's Question 144 Believe The Gospel 145 The Other Gospel 146 A Counterfeit Gospel Corinthians 11:3-4; KJV 148 The Way Of Truth Spoken Of As Evil 149 Can One Worship The God Of Truth With Lies? 149 Rejection Of Truth 150 A Gospel Parable 151 There Is Only One True Gospel 152 Chapter 14 The Good News Of Grace And Peace 153 Grace, Mercy, And Peace 153 The Good News Of Grace 153 What Is Grace? 154 Three Facts About Grace 154 The Father's Grace And Mercy 155 Divine Favor Through Christ 155 Paul Explains God's Grace 156 Ephesians 1:1-9 Paraphrased 156 Predestination 156 Grace Through Christ 157 Ephesians 2:1-9 Paraphrased 157 The Gift Of God's Grace 158 xi

12 The Promise Of Grace 159 The Good News Of Peace 159 Two Great Opposites 159 The Natural Way Of Life 160 God's Way Of Life 160 Enemies Of God 160 Then And Now 160 The God Of Peace 161 Peace From The Father Through Christ 162 Isaiah 162 Ezekiel 163 David 163 Isaiah 163 Micah 4:1-4 Paraphrased 163 Reconciliation With The Father 164 The New Creation 165 National Israel And Other People 165 Ephesians 2:11-18 Paraphrased 165 Colossians 1:12-23 Paraphrased 166 Summary Peter 1:2-10 KJV 167 Do Not Be Anxious 168 Chapter 15 The Good News About Jesus Christ 169 Romans 1:1-3, 8-9; Paraphrased 169 Christ The Crucified 169 Who Was Jesus? 170 The God Who Became Man 170 John 1:1-5;10-14 KJV 170 The God Who Died 171 The Messenger Of The Covenant 172 The First Covenant 172 The Promise To Abraham 173 The Agreement With National Israel 173 A New Agreement Promised 174 Jesus Established The New Agreement 174 Hebrews 10:5-10 Paraphrased 174 The Blood Of Christ And The New Agreement The New Testament The Remission Of Sins The New Agreement 177 Ratified And Sealed With Blood 177 A New And Better Agreement 177 xii

13 Five Major Changes A Perfect Sacrifice A Perfect High Priest 179 Hebrews 7:11-16 KJV 179 Our High Priest The Forgiveness Of Sin 181 Righteousness And The Law 182 The Blood Of Christ The Law Placed Within The Holy Spirit 184 An Everlasting Agreement 185 Summary 185 Chapter 16 The Good News About Christ And Salvation 186 God Wants All To Be Saved 186 The Choice Is Ours 187 The Seriousness Of Sin 187 Death Sentence 188 A Way Of Escape 188 The Sacrifice 189 The Shedding Of Blood 189 The Ancient Israelites 190 Salvation Through Justification 190 The Word Justify 191 God Is Our Salvation 191 The Righteousness To Be Revealed 191 Jesus The Righteous 191 Romans 3:20-26 KJV 192 Jesus, The Only Way To Salvation 193 Salvation Is A Gift From The Father 194 Jesus The Giver Of Life 195 Jesus Christ Is The Hope Of The Dead 195 Summary 196 Escape The Death Sentence 196 The Means Of Forgiveness 197 Chapter 17 The Process Of Salvation 198 Become Immortal Through Repentance, Baptism, And Conversion 198 To Become An Immortal 198 An Awesome Opportunity 199 How To Obtain Salvation 199 The Call To Salvation 200 xiii

14 A Special Calling 201 Called And Chosen 201 Belief In The Father And In His Son 202 John 5:24-29 Paraphrased 202 Repentance, Baptism, And Conversion 203 The Redemptive Process 203 Repentance And Conversion 204 The Word Repent 205 Repent Of What? 205 Repent Of Sin 205 What Is Sin? 206 Keep The Commandments 206 A Change Of Heart 206 Lip Service 207 A Change In Lifestyle 207 Baptism 208 Dead To Sin 209 Sins Washed Away 210 Receive The Holy Spirit 210 The Continuing Process 210 Faith And Works 211 Doing And Believing 212 Summary 212 Chapter 18 The Gospel Of The Kingdom Of God 214 A New Governmental System 214 Centuries Of Struggle 215 Doomed To Failure 215 Religion Past, Present, And Future 216 A One World Government 216 A Perfect Government 217 The Human Factor 217 The Kingdom Message 218 John The Baptist 218 Jesus Proclaimed The Kingdom 218 Others Also Proclaimed The Kingdom 219 What Is A Kingdom? 219 Is The Kingdom Of God Within? 220 After Christ's Death 221 The Apostle Paul 221 The Evangelist Philip 221 The Kingdom Of God 221 National Israel 221 xiv

15 The Physical Kingdom 222 Scriptural Facts 222 Christ To Rule The Earth 223 Isaiah 223 Micah 223 A Bright And Wonderful Future 223 Personal Safety 224 Abundant Food 224 Abundant Health 224 No More War 225 Perfect Justice 225 A Perfect Religion And Government 225 The Spiritual Kingdom 226 Rewards Of The Righteous 226 Immortality 227 Joint-Heir With Christ 227 Inherit All Things 228 Inherit The Earth 228 Inheritors Of The Kingdom 228 Co-Rulership With Christ 229 To Become A King And A Priest 229 Born Into The Kingdom 230 John 3:1-10 Paraphrased 230 The Water And The Spirit 231 The Water 231 The Spirit 231 A New Creature 232 All Things Become New 232 Adoption As A Son Of God 232 Good News, A One World Government 233 Humanity Cannot Govern Itself 233 There Is Hope 234 The Only Solution 234 Jesus And The Kingdom 235 When Will Christ Return? 235 Increase Of Knowledge 236 Distress Of Nations 236 War And Natural Disaster 236 Extreme Wickedness 237 The Proclamation Of The Gospel 237 The Coming Invasion Of Earth 238 The Invasion Begins 239 Revelation 19:11-16 Paraphrased 239 xv

16 Summary 240 Chapter 19 The Proclaiming Of The Gospel 241 The Great Commission 241 The Assignment 241 Who Will Receive The Gospel? 241 What Will Be Accomplished? 242 Who Is To Proclaim The Gospel Message? 243 What Is The Message? 243 The Gospel And The Early Church 244 Signs, Wonders And Miracles 244 Greater Power To Come 245 The Prophet Habakkuk 245 The Open Door 246 National Israel 246 Romans 10:11-21 Paraphrased 247 A Deceived World 248 Jesus Warned: 249 Salvation 250 The Gospel Today 250 Believe The Gospel 250 The End Shall Come 251 Death And Destruction 251 A Warning 252 Chapter 20 Persecution Of The Saints 253 An Unpopular Message 253 Four Important Questions 253 The Necessity To Change 254 Believe And Repent 254 Human Nature 255 Rebellion And Self-Will 256 Freedom Of Choice 256 The World Today 256 Prophecies Of Persecution 257 Not Of This World 258 Hated By The World 258 Evil Is Good And Good Is Evil 259 Then And Now 259 Beware Of Men 260 Brought Before Civil Authorities 260 Betrayal 261 Accusations 261 xvi

17 The Beginning Of Sorrows 262 Hated Because Of Jesus' Name 262 The One To Fear 263 Lack Of Conversion 264 False Prophets And Teachers 264 Those Who Endure 265 Hated By All People 265 Hated By Popular Christianity 265 Hated By Judaism 265 Christianity And Judaism 266 Hated By All Religions 267 Hated By Governments 267 Hated By All Israel 268 Isaiah 30:1-15 LBP 268 Summary 269 Jesus Gives The Answer 269 Chapter 21 The Woman Who Anointed Jesus And The Gospel Message 270 Passover 30 A.D. 270 The Tenth Of Nisan 271 Six Days Before Passover 271 The Invitation 272 Washing And Anointing Jesus' Feet 273 Simon's Indignation 274 The Parable Of Forgiveness 274 Customs Of The Day 275 Transition Point 276 The Anointing Of Jesus' Head 276 Forgiveness Of Sin 276 Faith And Works 277 The Broken Vial 277 Judas, The Thief Denarii 278 Jesus' Comments 279 The Bringing Of The Ointment 279 Summary 281 Common Textual References 282 Chapter 22 The Covenants And Salvation 283 Many Agreements And Promises 283 Blood Covenants 283 Many Agreements And Promises 283 xvii

18 The Four Ages Of Salvation 284 The First Age 284 The Second Age 284 The Third Age 285 The Fourth Age 285 Covenant Versus Testament 286 In The Beginning 286 From Creation God Had A Plan 287 The Shedding Of Blood 287 Chapter 23 The First Agreement With National Israel 289 Terms And Conditions Of The First Agreement 289 The First Condition 289 Benefits 289 Israel's Benefits 290 Deuteronomy 28:1-13 Paraphrased 290 Eternal And Immortal Life 290 Salvation Through The Law And Sacrifice 291 God's Benefits 292 Contract Review 292 Moses Speaks For God 293 Formal Ratification Of The Agreement 293 Back Up The Mountain 294 The Creator Keeps His Word 295 Was There Something Wrong With The First Agreement With Israel? 295 Point Of Law 296 Breaking The Agreement 296 Jeremiah 11:1-10 KJV 297 A Curse 298 Chapter 24 The New Agreement With National Israel 299 The Facts 299 God Remembers His Promises 300 A New Agreement Promised 301 After Christ Returns 302 Why The First Agreement Failed 302 The First Agreement Canceled 303 Hebrews 10:5-10 Paraphrased 303 A New And Better Agreement 303 Five Major Changes A Perfect Sacrifice A Perfect High Priest 305 xviii

19 Hebrews 7:11-16 KJV The Forgiveness Of Sin 306 Righteousness And The Law 307 The Blood Of Christ The Law Placed Within The Holy Spirit 309 Summary 309 Salvation During Christ's Reign 310 An Everlasting Agreement 310 Contract Ratification 311 The Blood Of Christ 311 Chapter 25 The Agreement With The Father's Elect During The Gospel Age Of Salvation 312 The Gentiles 312 The Agreement With The Elect Of God 313 A New Agreement Through Christ 314 A Better Resurrection 314 The Call To Participate 315 Major Responsibilities 315 Awesome Rewards 316 Inherit All Things 316 How To Become An Heir 316 Baptism 317 Romans 6:1-9 KJV 317 Dead To Sin 318 Sins Washed Away 318 The Temple 319 Why Purify The Body 319 Baptism Of The Spirit 320 The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit 320 The Father's And Christ's Spirit 321 The Law Placed Within 321 The Spirit Of Adoption 322 Transformation Into A Son Of God 322 Sealing The Agreement 323 The Personal Agreement 323 The Administrators Corinthians 3:6-11 NIV 324 After Repentance And Baptism, What Does God Expect? 326 Non-Compliance 327 Hebrews 10:26-31 KJV 327 Summary 327 xix

20 Chapter 26 Overview Of The Covenants 328 The First Agreement With National Israel 328 Type Of Agreement 328 An Exclusive Agreement 328 A National And Individual Agreement 328 An Open-Ended Agreement 328 Major Terms And Conditions 328 Benefits For Israel 328 Benefits For God 328 Agreement Duration 329 Agreement Ratification 329 The Agreement With Re-Gathered Israel 329 Type Of Agreement 329 An Exclusive Agreement 329 A National And Individual Agreement 329 A Closed Agreement 329 Terms And Conditions 330 Benefits For The Individual 330 Benefits For God 330 Agreement Duration 330 Differences 330 Sacrifices 330 The Schoolmaster 330 The School Master Returns 331 The Gospel Age Agreement 332 Type Of Agreement 332 Individual Agreement 332 Closed Agreement 332 Major Terms And Conditions 332 Benefits For The Individual 332 Benefits For God 332 Agreement Duration 332 Agreement Ratification 333 Differences 333 Rewards For Service 333 Chapter 27 Maintaining A Good Relationship With God 334 Why Maintain A Good Relationship? 334 Did God Have A Plan? 335 From Genesis To Revelation 335 Revelation 21:3-7 Paraphrased 335 From The Beginning 336 xx

21 The Foundational Elements 337 Faith In God 339 Ancient Israel 340 The Blood Of Atonement 340 The Setting Aside Of Sin 341 Total Forgiveness 341 Sins Set Aside, Not Forgiven 341 The Gospel Age 342 A Perfect High Priest 344 A Spiritual High Priest 345 Holiness 345 Physical Defilement 345 Spiritual Defilement 346 The Perfect Sacrifice 346 The Sacrifices Past And Present 347 The Agreement With Ancient Israel 347 The Burnt Offering 347 The Meal Offering 347 The Peace Offering 348 Freewill Offerings 348 The Sin Offering 348 The Trespass Offering 349 Atonement Past And Present 349 Sacrifices During The Gospel Age 350 Summary 351 Chapter 28 Where The Name And Presence Of God Resides On Earth 352 The Burning Bush 352 Fire And Smoke On Mount Sinai 353 Exodus 19: The Tabernacle 355 Preparation And Purification 355 A Fatal Mistake 355 The Holy Of Holies 356 The Place In The Promised Land 356 At Shiloh 357 The Temple At Jerusalem 357 Where Does God Dwell Today? 358 After The Advent Of Christ 358 Jesus Foretells A New Temple System 358 Spiritual Worship 359 The Festival Of Pentecost And The New Temple 359 xxi

22 Historical Review 360 Acts 7:44-51 NIV 360 Purification Of The Temple 361 The Temple Of Flesh 361 The Indwelling Of The Spirit 362 Summary 363 The Holy Of Holies 363 The Place Of Worship 364 Chapter 29 The Sovereign Father's Worship System 365 Jesus Promises The Holy Spirit 365 What Is A Temple? 366 Hebrew And Greek Words 366 The Temple Is Where God Dwells 367 The Agreement Before And After Christ 367 The Temples Of Flesh 368 The Collective Temple 369 The Tabernacle And The Temples 370 The Worship System In Ancient Israel 370 The Physical Buildings 370 The Priesthood 370 The People 371 The Millennial Temple 371 The Heavenly Temple 372 Things In Common 372 What Does It Mean To Be The Father's Temple? 373 A Place Dedicated To God 373 A Place Where The Presence Of God Dwells 373 A Place With A High Priest 374 A Place With A Priesthood 374 A Place Of Atonement 375 A Place To Communicate With God 375 A Place To Worship, And Praise God 375 Consequences For Defiling The Father's Temple? 376 Be Holy 376 The Father's Earthly Temples Are Holy 377 The Temple Must Remain Holy 377 A Serious Warning 378 Under The Old Agreement With Israel 379 Under The Father's Agreement With The Elect 379 The Human Body And Spirit 380 A New Creature 380 Do Not Extinguish The Spirit 383 xxii

23 Chapter 30 How To Recognize Those Who Truly Follow Christ 385 Love For God's People 385 The Law Of God 385 They Love God And His Law 386 The Sabbath And Annual Observances 386 A Perpetual Covenant 386 A Sign Of Obedience 387 Separate From False Religions 388 The Preaching Of The Kingdom 388 The Government Of God 388 To Become An Immortal Being 389 The Fruit Of The Spirit 389 Summary 390 Mission Statement This Work 391 Our Goals 391 If You Want To Know More 391 Other Books BY B.L. Cocherell Biblical Prophecies Past, Present, And Future 392 The Gift Of Immortality 392 Human Life Death And Beyond 392 The Commanded Observances And Holy Convocations Past, Present, And Future 393 Survive And Thrive As A Follower Of Christ 393 Biblical Law Past, Present, And Future 393 Our Place In The Spirit Realm, Gods-Angels-Demons 394 Synagogue Of Satan And Doctrines Of Demons 394 Book Orders And Donation Information 394 xxiii

24 NOTES xxiv

25 CHAPTER ONE WHO IS THE GOD OF THE HOLY BIBLE? The identity of God is one of the greatest mysteries of the entire Bible. Without understanding who God is, it is impossible to understand the Bible and the purpose for the existence of the human race. Numerous books and papers that attempt to explain who God is have been written and published. And the explanations are as diverse as the people doing the writing. But, why is there such confusion about who God is, when the identity of God is the key that unlocks all spiritual knowledge and understanding about the salvation of humanity that is contained in the Bible? Almost two thousand years ago Jesus asked his disciples,"whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" (Matt.16:13). The scriptures show that many did not know who he was; however, the apostle Peter gives the correct answer when he says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt.16:16). Today, people ask remarkably similar questions: Who was the one called Jesus? Was Jesus a prophet, a wise man, a mere human, an angel, half human and half divine, or God incarnate, and who is the Father that he came to reveal? In the Beginning "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen.1:1). The Bible clearly states that a being called 'God' created heaven and earth. But who is this 'God'? Is he God the Father; is he Jesus Christ; is he both?: "And God said let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen.1:26-27 KJV). Most Bible scholars and linguists will agree that the word God in Genesis 1:1, is the Hebrew word Elohim, which is a plural word that can mean Mighty Ones. Therefore, some say that this one word defines two specific individuals. Although the word Elohim does allow for a plural meaning, understanding who God is does not entirely depend upon this one descriptive word for God, because there are many scriptures showing that, at the beginning of the physical creation, there were two God-beings in the God family God the Father and the Creator God. See Eph.3:

26 If the Mighty One of ancient Israel is the One who created the Savior of the New Covenant, as some believe, we have a gigantic problem to deal with in reference to what the Savior and his apostles said about the personage called the Father. The solution to this problem of who the Father and Jesus Christ are is found in the scriptures that clearly speak of two separate beings God the Father and Jesus Christ, who became the Son of God. The following will show that Genesis 1:1 speaks of the Creator God who became Jesus Christ and Genesis 1:26-27 reveals that it was God the Father who gave the instructions to the Creator God for the creation of humanity. The meaning of much of the Bible concerning the identity of God should become clear, when one understands that the Creator God of ancient Israel was the second member of the God family, he became our Savior (Jesus Christ), and he came to reveal God the Father who is the Sovereign of all that exists. THE MYSTERY OF GOD In the Books of Matthew and Mark, there are some very strange statements made by Jesus Christ concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. The Privileged Few "And the disciples came, and said to him, Why speak you to them in parables? He answered and said to them, because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever has not, from him shall be taken away even that he has. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not Perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them" (Matt.13:10-15 KJV). See also Mk.4:11-12; Lk.8:9-10. Only a select few were privileged to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. And in order to begin to understand these mysteries, one must first know what a kingdom is. There are four basic things to understand about a kingdom or government. A kingdom must have officials to govern it, territories to govern, people to govern, and laws with which to govern. The mystery that Jesus spoke about pertained to the Kingdom of God; therefore, it seems logical that the mystery concerns the who, what, when, and where of this kingdom. 2

27 Who May Understand The Mystery? Jesus says that the twelve apostles could understand the mystery of the Kingdom of God and the apostle Paul says that the ministers of Christ are stewards of the mysteries of God: "And the disciples came, and said to him, Why do you speak to them in parables? He answered them and said, to them, Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given" (Matt.13:10-11 KJV). "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" (1.Cor.4:1-2 KJV). Paul was given special insight into the mysteries of God "How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; as I wrote before in few words" (Eph.3:3) and he states that the Ephesians also understand the mysteries of God. Since the elect of God at Ephesus understood, it can be assumed that all of the elect have the ability to understand the mysteries of God: "Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself" (Eph.1:8-9 KJV). See also Dan.11:32-33; 12:10. The Mystery of Christ "Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; That the gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power. To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of [participation of] the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by [through] Jesus Christ" (Eph.3:4-9 KJV). See also Rom.16: Paul says that the mystery concerning Christ was revealed and that Jesus is not only the Son of God, but is also the Creator God. Who is Jesus? One thing people always wanted to know about Christ was his identity. On many occasions, Jesus told the people who he was, but they would not believe that he was the actual Son of God: 3

28 "And Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ tell us plainly' Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe..." (Jn.10:23-25 NIV). Who is the Father? After all the things that Jesus taught his disciples concerning the Father and his message of salvation to humanity, they still did not fully understand who the Father was nor did they understand the message that Jesus brought from the Father. "Thomas said to him, Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him, and have seen him. Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices us. Jesus said to him, Have I been so long a time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?" (Jn.14:5-9 KJV). A Mystery to be Understood "For I would that you knew what great conflict [concern] I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ" (Col.2:1-2 KJV). See also Col.1:24-27; 4:1-3. Here, we see there is a mystery involved in understanding who God is, who the Father is, and who Christ is. This mystery of the Kingdom and the Family of God is understood by those to whom Jesus will reveal it. "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets" (Rev.10:7 KJV). See Matt.11:25-27; 13:10-15; Lk.10:21-22; 1.Cor.4:1-2; Eph.1:8-9. Hidden Wisdom "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: Yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1.Cor.2:6-7 KJV). 4

29 It is apparent when we read the history of the Jews that, if they had truly understood in their innermost being that Jesus was God, the majority of them would have worshiped him. However, this did not fit the plan of God, so most were blinded to this fact. See Mk.4:11-12; Lk.8:9-10: "But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them to us by his spirit: for the spirit searches all things, Yes, the deep things of God" (1.Cor.2:8-10 KJV). "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen" (Rom.16: KJV). "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand" (Dan.12:10 KJV). Many of the mysteries surrounding prophetic events and the gospel message that Jesus brought are being revealed during this age. These mysteries are revealed to those whom God the Father has called and is calling to salvation. The understanding of these mysteries will remain hidden from everyone else until the Kingdom of God is established on earth. The Identity of God The major reason that it is so difficult for most people to understand the exact identity of God is that the information is hidden from those who do not need to know. However, those who do need to know are told that they must diligently study in order to come to an understanding of who God is. Moreover, all of the information that is given in the Bible about God is presented as fact, which presumes that the person reading the information already believes in God and that the Bible is his written word. In the following pages I will attempt to provide enough information about God to help the reader who wants to study further solve some of the many mysteries surrounding the identity of God and the relationship between the Creator God, Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the holy spirit. Because there is so much interrelated information in the Bible concerning these individual subjects, this chapter will only explore the following topic areas in order to establish foundational information concerning the identity of God: 5

30 There is a God family Jesus, God with us Jesus, the Creator God Jesus, the Creator, the Son, and the Savior Jesus, the Rock of ancient Israel The Father, Jesus Christ, and the Book of Revelation Jesus reveals the Father Who is the Father? Three popular beliefs about God When did Jesus become the son of God? THERE IS A GOD FAMILY One of the great mysteries of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the elect of God concerns the identity of the Family of God. Our Savior repeatedly called the Supreme Sovereign "Father" and he talked about their father-son relationship. But, why do the majority of professing Christians believe that there is only one God-being? The reason is quite simple: Satan has deceived the whole world into thinking the Family of God does not exist. See Rev.12:9; 18:23; 19:20; 20:10. Until a person comes to understand that there are two individual and separate God-beings who comprise the God family and that the relationship between the Sovereign God (God the Father) and the Creator God (Jesus Christ) is a father-son relationship, almost none of the Bible, including the Father's good news message, can be clearly understood. Notice what the apostle Paul plainly says about the sovereign Family of God: "I do not want you to fail because of my trials, because it is for you that I suffer, and for this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Eph.3:13-15 Para.). When we understand that the Father's plan for the salvation of humanity is centered around increasing his family and that presently there are only two spirit-beings in his family (himself and his firstborn, Jesus Christ), and that his elect children on earth also bear his name and are considered a part of this family, what Paul says about the Father's family in heaven and earth makes sense. The Gospel According to John Above all other books of the Bible, the Gospel according to John expounds the pre-existence of Christ and the father-son relationship between Christ and God the Father. If this book did not exist, it would be difficult to explain the concept of the God family and how it functions. Because the Book of John exists, the mystery of the God family, the pre-existence of Christ, and his position in the God family can be clearly understood. 6

31 Most of the people Jesus spoke to did not have a problem understanding the things that he wanted them to understand, regardless of the language he used (e.g., Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek). Today, however, we do have a problem understanding the mystery of Christ and his heavenly Father because we are centuries removed from that time and these languages. The New Testament was translated into English from Ancient Greek and no translation can be totally accurate in every detail. Although the King James translation is thought to be one of the most accurate translations of the holy scriptures, it does have its problems. Today, many of the words used in the Early Modern English ( A.D.) convey very different meanings and concepts. This situation makes it necessary for us to return many times to the original Ancient Greek language in order to gain a more clear understanding of the scriptures, especially when trying to understand a subject as complex as who and what Christ is in relationship to God the Father. Therefore, to discover who Christ is, we will examine the original Ancient Greek language and the context in which key concepts and words are used. The Word was with God In the first chapter of John, we find some very difficult scriptures that cannot be understood without correctly understanding who and what the Family of God is: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (Jn.1:1 KJV). John says that, in the beginning, the Word (Greek, Logos) existed. In the context of verse one, the word logos does not mean a part of speech or a language. John uses the word logos as many of the prophets did when they referred to being given information from the Creator God whom they described as The Word of The Lord (See Psa.107:20; 147:15, Jer.2:1,31, Ezk.1:1-3; 6:1-3). John speaks of Jesus as being the word of God who is a separate being from God the Father. This is substantiated by the statements in the rest of John, chapter one. At the beginning of creation, there was one called the Word (Greek, Logos), this Word was with God (Greek, Theos. English, Deity), and the Word (Logos) was also God (a Deity). When John says, "This One was in the beginning with God" (Jn.1:2), he makes a further distinction between these two beings The Logos and The Theos. Why would John emphasize this distinction if there is only one God-being? "All things were made by him [the Word, the Logos]; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (Jn.1:3 KJV). See Gen.1:1,

32 John says that all things that exist were made by this Logos who was with the Theos. Why did John have to explain this? We know that he was writing to Christians and Israelites who should have known who God was. So why was he explaining this fundamental principle? Heresies of the Docetism and Gnostics During the period in which John wrote, two major heresies were being taught 'Docetism' and 'Gnosticism'. 'Docetism' is the belief that Jesus only 'seemed' to be a man, but he was actually too divine to be a human. 'Gnosticism' teaches that the material world is basically evil, the spirit is basically good, and good could not touch evil; therefore, God could not have created the world. Countering these heretical teachings could have been one of the reasons John went into such detail when he explained the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Christ. Whatever his reason, John does give us a very detailed narrative of this relationship, which makes it possible for people today to know the identity of God the Father and Jesus Christ. A Father-Son Relationship John 5:18-26 KJV "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for what things soever he does, these also do the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he does: and he will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel" (vs.18-20). Over and over again Jesus said that he was the Creator God, the Son of God, and the Redeemer and Savior of humanity. However, most did not believe him because they were looking for a release from their physical problems instead of their spiritual problems. "For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickens them; even so the son quickens whom he will. For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which has sent him. Verily, verily, I say to you, he that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father has life in himself; so has he given to the Son to have life in himself" (vs.21-26). 8

33 In order to understand what Jesus said here, it is important to remember that the Israelites historically held a monotheistic view of God. The God who the Israelites worshiped was a single entity; they believed in one God who was the supreme ruler (Deut.32:39; Mal.2:10). It is easy to understand why the Jews and even Jesus' disciples had a problem with what he taught concerning the concept of the God family. Here was a person who said he was God and also said that he was sent by his Father. This was a strange and repugnant doctrine to the vast majority of the Jews, most of whom could not accept this new teaching and felt it was blasphemous to even consider such a thing. See Jn.10: Note: Please read the entire sixteenth chapter of John for a detailed explanation of the father-son relationship between these two Supreme beings. Two, Not Three in the God Family There are a number of scriptures that record Jesus saying, "I and my Father." Three persons are never mentioned in this phrase, it is always "I and my Father." See Jn.10:30; 17:11, 22. "If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him" (Jn.14: 23 KJV). "To him that overcomes, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" (Rev.3:21 KJV). Again, two individuals are mentioned, not three. Two Separate Gods Doing Two Separate Works The Father does a work and Christ does a work. Here, we find two separate God-beings working harmoniously while doing two separate works: "But Jesus answered them, my Father works hitherto, and I work" (Jn.5:17 KJV). Again, we see individual beings spoken of the Father and Christ. Clearly Jesus' own words should be proof that the Father and Jesus are two separate individual beings in the Family of God, and each of them performs a separate work in order to accomplish a common goal: "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father has given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me. And the Father himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he has sent, him you believe not... I am come in my Father's name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. How can 9

34 you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust" (Jn.5:36-45 KJV). A WARNING "Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father" (1.Jn.2:22-23 KJV). Here John states very clearly that those who deny that Jesus is the Christ and deny the individuality of the Father and the Son are liars. See Isa.43:11; 44:24-25; 45:21; 48:12-20; 60:16; Psa.78: JESUS, GOD WITH US Some people say that Jesus was not really God with us, but that he was merely a representation of God's divine nature. However, this is not what the Bible says. Notice what Matthew and Isaiah say about the reason for Mary's child being called Emmanuel: "And she [Mary] shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord, by the prophet saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matt.1:21-23 Para.). See also Lk.1: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isa.7:14 KJV). Immanuel means 'God with us'. See also Isa.8:8-10. There are two very important things to learn from the above scriptures: 1. The conception and birth of Jesus to a virgin was to be a sign of his divine origin. 2. The prophet Isaiah was inspired to reveal the Savior would be named Immanuel God with us. (Isa.7:14; 8:8-10). The Hebrew and the Greek words that are used in the above two texts clearly state that the being who would be the Savior would be GOD WITH US. There is absolutely no way that both the Hebrew and the Greek words used in these two texts can be translated to say anything other than what is clearly stated, without purposefully mistranslating the original language. Truly, Jesus was God with us. Jesus the Son of God After the angel told Mary that she would give birth to the Savior, she asked how this could happen because she was a virgin: 10

35 "And the angel answered and said to her, The holy spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: Therefore also the holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God" (Lk.1:35 KJV). Luke says that it was the power (i.e., the holy spirit) that came from the HIGHEST which impregnated Mary and performed the process of conception. We are not told how this was accomplished, we are only told that it happened. The Greek word used for Highest is Hupsistos and, in this case, it denotes the Sovereign of the universe the most high, the highest, the supreme (God). Whoever this being is, he is the Supreme Sovereign above all others, whether they are spirit or physical, and this Supreme Being is the Father of our Savior. The High Priest Zacharias After the birth of John the Baptist, John's father, Zacharias, was inspired to foretell the coming of the God of Israel as the Messiah as if it had already taken place. If Jesus was the Messiah, it follows that he was also the Creator God who came to redeem humanity. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he has visited and redeemed his people" (Lk.1:68 KJV). See also verses John the Baptist "As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, which shall prepare your way before you" (Mk.1:2 KJV). Mark quotes Malachi 3:1, but with a significant alteration. Malachi 1:3 reads: "Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me." Mark is simply affirming that Jesus, who was God, prepared for his own coming. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Matt.3:1-3 KJV). Here, John fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah by preparing the way of the Lord (Isa.40:3). Isaiah said the One whose way was to be prepared was Yehovaw, the Self Existent One, the Eternal. Likewise, John says he was preparing the way for the Kurios, the Supreme Authority. Both Isaiah and John say that God is the One for which the way was being prepared. 11