Upgrading Earth

Additional Bible Copyright Notes

Scripture quotations marked YLT are taken from Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) by Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked EBR are from the Emphasized Bible by J.B. Rotherham (EBR). By Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked NASB95 are taken from New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version (KJV). By Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked WEB are from the World English Bible Orthodox (WEB). By Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked SLT are taken from Julia E. Smith’s, Smiths Literal Translation (SLT). By Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked NEW are taken from A New Revision. Compiled and Arranged by Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont. This work is in the public domain.

Scripture quotations marked ABPE are taken from the Aramaic Bible in Plain English (ABPE) as found on biblehub.com. In Public Domain from Holy Bible From The Ancient Eastern Texts: Aramaic Of The Peshitta by George M. Lamsa (1933)

Scripture quotations marked WORRELL are taken from the Worrell New Testament. Published in 1904 by A. S. Worrell. Currently in Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked WNT are taken from the Weymouth New Testament (WNT), A NEW TESTAMENT IN MODERN SPEECH by Richard F. Weymouth. In Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked GODBEY are taken from the Godbey New Testament (GODBEY) (1902) by by Rev. W. B. Godbey (1833-1920). In Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked EDNT are taken from Benjamin Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott, in Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked TCNT are from the Twentieth Century New Testament (TCNT) published in 1904. In Public Domain.

Scripture quotations marked NENT are taken from the Numeric English New Testament. From the Greek Text as Established by Bible Numerics. Edited by Dr. Ivan Panin, First Edition 1914. In Public Domain.

Chapter 2: Setting Expectations

[1] “List of Christian Denominations.” Wikepedia.org. 2021. Last Edited: Sep 17, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations

[2] “Which of the 30,000 Protestant denominations is the true church of God?” Gotquestions.org. Last Edited: Apr 26, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.gotquestions.org/Protestant-denominations.html

[3] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “What is Christian Middle Earth? A Brief Explanation.” drmsh.com. Last Edited: Oct 9, 2017. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://drmsh.com/what-is-christian-middle-earth-a-brief-explanation/

[4] I have found the story of Julia E. Smith remarkable. She is the only sole woman to have ever translated the Bible on her own. She was fluent in Hebrew, Greek and Latin and the work she put into this endeavor is amazing. I find it sad that she is not more celebrated today for such an accomplishment. What I also appreciate of her is her translation philosophy as stated in her preface “I soon gave my attention to the Hebrew, and studied it thoroughly, and wrote it out word for word, giving no ideas of my own, but endeavoring to put the same English word for the same Hebrew or Greek word, everywhere, while King James’s translators have wholly differed from this rule; but it appeared to us to give a much clearer understanding of the text.” Reference: “Julia E. Smith Parker Translation Preface.” Glastonbury, March 23, 1876. Studybible.info. Last Edited: 2021. Accessed: Oct 1, 2021. https://studybible.info/version/JuliaSmith

[5] A. E. Knoch is certainly an interesting character. It is known he was very critical against the mainstream translators of his day. It is therefore no surprise he was ruthlessly attacked for his belief that systematically one could, consistently translate one English word to represent one Hebrew or Greek word. As one will see in this study, I am a firm believer in, “we see in part and hear in part” and God uses all people for His glory. Our task is in prayer to understand how a person is contributing to building God’s kingdom. Christianity often has rejected the CLV as a translation. This isn’t surprising given Knoch believed in the restoration of all things. It is through the CLV we most clearly see universal restoration. Should this negate it as being an exceptional piece of work in revealing consistency of biblical concepts. Certainly not. For this reason, I have felt it important as a tool to include its usage in this study. The value it brings in comparing and contrasting the three interpretational frameworks of eternal hell, annihilationism and universal restoration can’t be overlooked for any believer. This same idea applies to all translations, be it the SLT, YLT, EBR and NTAT from Dr. David Bentley Hart. I trust, dear reader, you will consider keep this in consideration for this study.

[6] Carter, Kay. “Take a first step in Bible languages.” Tyndale House Cambridge. Apr 26, 2019. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://tyndalehouse.com/explore/interviews/a-first-step-in-bible-languages/

[7] Williams, Dr. Peter J. “A little Greek goes a long way.” Tyndale House Cambridge. Sep 14, 2018. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://tyndalehouse.com/explore/articles/a-little-greek-goes-a-long-way/

[8] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Epilogue, Point 3,” in The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. ‎ (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Kindle.

[9] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 2 Rules of Engagement,” The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. ‎ (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Kindle

[10] Ramelli, Dr. Ilaria L. E. “Chapter 5: Fourth-Century Origenians I,” in A Larger Hope?, Volume 1: Universal Salvation from Christian Beginnings to Julian of Norwich. (‎Cascade Books, an Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, Oct 6, 2019). Pg. 87. Kindle

[11] “Nicaean Creed.” Wikepedia.org. Last Edited: Sep 23, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed

Chapter 3: The Three Interpretative Frameworks

[1] Ramelli, Dr. Ilaria L. E. “Chapter 3: Origin of Alexandria,” in A Larger Hope? Volume 1: Universal Salvation from Christian Beginnings to Julian of Norwich. (‎Cascade Books, an Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, Oct 6, 2019). Pg 63. Kindle

Chapter 4: Two Words Form a Key Battleground

[1] “Matthew Chapter 25 Commentaries.” Biblehub.com. Last Edited: 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/25-46.htm

[2] Strongs g166. “αἰώνιος / aiónios.” Strongs Exhaustive Concordance. Biblehub.com. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://biblehub.com/greek/166.htm

[3] “Eternity.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.etymonline.com/word/eternity#etymonline_v_32718

[4] “Everlasting.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.etymonline.com/word/everlasting#etymonline_v_32767

[5] “Latin.” Wikepedia.com. Last Updated: Sep 20, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin

[6] Lawrence, Paul, PhD. “A Brief History of the Septuagint.” Associates for Bible Archaeology. Mar 31, 2016. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/new-testament-era/4022-a-brief-history-of-the-septuagint

[7] Dr. Heleen M., “Life Time Eternity: A Study of AION in Greek Literature and Philosophy, the Septuagint and Philo. (PhD Diss., University of Amsterdam, Sep 1999). Pg 250-251. https://www.academia.edu/29798032/Life_Time_Entirety_A_Study_of_AI%CE%A9N_in_Greek_Literature_and_Philosophy_the_Septuagint_and_Philo. An additional excel resource that has taken place in the modern day is coming from Dr. Ramelli where she dives deeper into the Terms for Eternity. Ramelli, Dr. Illaria L. E. Terms for Eternity: Aiônios and Aïdios in Classical and Christian Texts. (Gorgias Pr Llc., Apr, 2011)

[8] Keizer, Dr. Heleen M., “‘ETERNITY’ REVISITED A Study of the Greek Word AION.” Philosophia Reformata 65, (2000) 53–71. Pg 71. https://www.academia.edu/29892909/_Eternity_Revisited_A_Study_of_the_Greek_Word_%CE%B1%E1%BC%B0%CF%8E%CE%BD

Chapter 5: Another Key Leg Hell Needs to Stand On

[1] Slaats, Jamie. “Appendix 3: A Cruel Character Assassination,” in Upgrading Earth – It was never meant to be saved, it was always meant to be upgraded! (TwelveGates E.U., 2020.) Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://upgradingearth.org/read/upgrading-earth/appendix-3-a-cruel-character-assassination/

[2] Bentley Hart, Dr. David. “Concluding Scientific Postscript,” in The New Testament: A Translation. (Yale University Press; Translation edition. Oct, 2017)

[3] Bullinger, E. W. “Appendix 110: The use of Psuché in The New Testament,” in The Companion Study Bible. (Kregel, Burgundy edition, March 19, 1990). Accessed through e-sword reference library.

[4] Knoch, Adolph Ernst. “The Concordant Method (A Sane Principle),” in Concordant Greek Text. (Concordant Publishing Concern 1975).

[5] Bentley Hart, Dr. David. “Translating Certain Words An Irregular Glossary,” in The New Testament: A Translation. (Yale University Press; Translation edition. Oct, 2017). Point 15.

Chapter 6: The Name of the Law Giver

[1] The name of God as listed as Ieue is an interesting one which could be explained in connection to the recordings of Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He records the following in The Wars of the Jews, Book 5, Chapter 5, Section 5.7 “(235) A miter also of fine linen encompassed his head, which was tied by a blue ribbon, about which there was another golden crown, in which was engraven the sacred name [OF GOD]; it consists of four vowels.” This is only for reference, but it does make things interesting if in fact, יהוה are four vowels, rather than four consonants. Last, I find for an interesting discussion on this topic the writing from Jeff Brenner to be worthy of consideration as to how variant we could be in the name of God and its spelling. Reference: Brenner, Jeff A. “What is God’s name in Hebrew?” Ancient Hebrew Research Center. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/god-yhwh/what-is-gods-name-in-hebrew.htm

[2] This concept is expressed all through the website of Mr. Brenner. One specific note of this concept is found here. Brenner, Jeff A. “Hebrew Names of God in the Bible.” Ancient Hebrew Research Center. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/god-yhwh/hebrew-names-of-god-in-the-bible.htm

[3] Given the Ancient Hebrew origins stem from pictographs, there really is significance in looking at this because each letter once represented a pictograph and had a meaning behind it. A study of this reveals there is a deeper revelation coming from each letter in YHWH’s name. Some resources which list the individual meaning of a letter are found here: Parsons, John J. “The Hebrew Alphabet.” Hebrew4christians.com. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/Aleph-Bet/aleph-bet.html; “The Meaning of the Hebrew Alphabet.” Abarim Publications. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.abarim-publications.com/Hebrew_Alphabet_Meaning.html; Brenner, Jeff A. “Hebrew Alphabet Chart.” Ancient Hebrew Research Center, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet/hebrew-alphabet-chart.htm; Nuyten, John. “Secrets of the Hebrew Letters.” The Living Word, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://thelivingword.org.au/grand-design/resources/hebrew-alphabet-notes.pdf; Nuyten, John. “YUD HEH VAV HEH,” in God’s Grand Design – Bible study Seminar – Accompanying notes. The Living Word, 2021. Pg 17. Accessed: Oct 2021. https://www.thelivingword.org.au/grand-design/resources/Gods-Grand-Design-Notes.pdf

[4] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 1 The Purpose of Law and Grace,” in The Purpose of Law and Grace. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2002). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/the-purpose-of-law-and-grace/chapter-1-the-purpose-of-law-and-grace

[5] Knoch, Adolph Ernst. Jehovah: Ieue the Incommunicable Name. (Concordant Publishing Concern 1975). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://s3.amazonaws.com/unsearchablerich/booksonwebsite/%C2%A9CPC+Jehovah+Ieue+the+Incommunicable+Name.pdf

[6] Nuyten, John. “Matthew 1, Website Section: Do you Know …” livinggreekNT.org. (Living Greek NT, 2021). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.livinggreeknt.org/NTbooks/matthew/matthew1.php

[7] Slaats, Jamie. “Appendix 1: Knowing the Boss Deeper,” in Upgrading Earth – It was never meant to be saved, it was always meant to be upgraded! (TwelveGates e.U. 2020). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021 https://upgradingearth.org/read/upgrading-earth/appendix-1-knowing-the-boss-deeper/

[8] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Why is the Godhead FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE In Modern JUDAISM?” Dr. Michael S. Heiser Youtube Station. 10 Nov 2020. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxftCFJNNfE

[9] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. ‎ (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Kindle

[10] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Levi vs Melchizedek,” in Foundation for Intercession Newsletter. Issue #390, Jan 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/ffi-newsletter/2021/levi-vs-melchizedek

[11] Andrews, Edward D. “How are we to understand the Mosaic Law and Christians.” Christian House Publishing. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2016/10/15/how-are-we-to-understand-the-mosaic-law-and-christians/

[12] Mills, Dr. Paul; Schluter CBE, Dr. Michael. After Capitalism: Rethinking Economic Relationships. ‎ (Sallux Publishing, Jun, 2018). Pg. 66, 69, 84.

Chapter 7: What Should Be Our Understanding of Sin

[1] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 37: This Means War, Footnote 1,” in The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. ‎ (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Loc 10161. Kindle.

[2] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 11 The Mercy of God,” in Paul’s Epistle To the Saints in Rome Book 2. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2011). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/pauls-epistle-to-the-saints-in-rome-book-2/chapter-11-the-mercy-of-god

[3] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 1: Hebrew Terms for Evil Spiritual Beings,” in Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness. (Lexham Press, Apr, 2020). Kindle.

[4] Slaats, Jamie. “2. A Blueprint Needs Architects,” in Upgrading Earth – It was never meant to be saved, it was always meant to be upgraded! (TwelveGates e.U., 2020). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://upgradingearth.org/read/upgrading-earth/2-a-blueprint-needs-architects/

[5] Sources for this ongoing debate are found all through the books and studies of Dr. Michael S. Heiser.

[6] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 37: This Means War,” in The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Kindle

[7] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “The Rise of the House of Joseph Part 8,” in Blogs. (God’s Kingdom Ministries. May 13, 2021). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/blog/2021/05/the-rise-of-the-house-of-joseph-part-8

[8] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Bennie H. Reynolds III, ‘Understanding the Demonologies of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Accomplishments and Directions for the Future.’ Religion Compass 7.4 (2013): 103–14 (esp. 108)” from “Chapter 4 satan or satans,” in Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness. (Lexham Press, Apr, 2020). Kindle.

[9] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Bruce Baloian, ‘שָׂטָן’ NIDOTTE 3:1231. Handy refers to him as an ‘officer’ of the heavenly court (Lowell K. Handy.“The Authorization of Divine Power and the Guilt of God in the Book of Job: Useful Ugaritic Parallels.” JSOT 18.60 (1993):” from “Endnote 41,” in Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness. (Lexham Press, Apr, 2020). Loc 9515. Kindle.

[10] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “About Satan, from The Rise of the House of Joseph Part 18,” in Blogs. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, May 27, 2021). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/blog/2021/05/the-rise-of-the-house-of-joseph-part-18

[11] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 3 What About Satan, Endnote 44,” in Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness. (Lexham Press, Apr, 2020). Kindle.

[12] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 3 What About Satan, Endnote 41,” in Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness. (Lexham Press, Apr, 2020). Loc 9518. Kindle.

[13] I have actually taken a summation of the values found in a number of reports. These are found in the following: Infographic: “How Do You Read the Bible?” Crossway.org. 2020. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.crossway.org/articles/infographic-how-do-you-read-the-bible/; “Lifeway Research: Americans Are Fond of the Bible, Don’t Actually Read It.” Lifeway Research. Apr 26, 2017. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://lifewayresearch.com/2017/04/25/lifeway-research-americans-are-fond-of-the-bible-dont-actually-read-it/; Clark, Heather. “2020 ‘State of the Bible’ Report Finds Few Americans Read Bible Daily.” Christian News. Jul 24, 2020. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://christiannews.net/2020/07/24/2020-state-of-the-bible-report-finds-few-americans-read-bible-daily/

[14] “The Digital Pulpit: A Nationwide Analysis of Online Sermons.” Pew Research Center. Dec 16, 2019. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.pewforum.org/2019/12/16/the-digital-pulpit-a-nationwide-analysis-of-online-sermons/

[15] Prichard, Ray. “Why don’t Pastors Preach from the Old Testament?” on Crosswalk.com from Keep Believing Ministries. Feb 19, 2008. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/why-dont-pastors-preach-from-the-old-testament-11531237.html

Chapter 8: The Fire of the Bible

[1] Slaats, Jamie. “Section 5. Understanding the Lake of Fire and Fire Itself, from Appendix 3: A Cruel Character Assassination.” in Upgrading Earth – It was never meant to be saved, it was always meant to be upgraded! (TwelveGates e.U., 2020). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://upgradingearth.org/read/upgrading-earth/appendix-3-a-cruel-character-assassination/

Chapter 9: The Limited Liability of Sin – A Review of the Kingdom Laws of God

[1] “What is a sin unto death?” Gotquestions.org. Last Updated: Apr 26, 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-unto-death.html

[2] Hawker, Robert. “The word ‘Peace’ in Leviticus 7:37.” in The Poor Man’s Concordance & Dictionary of the Sacred Scriptures. (Solid Ground Christian Books, Mar 2005). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021, via e-Sword.

[3] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 12 Why Church Councils Condemned Restoration Teaching,” in Creation’s Jubilee. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 1991). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/creations-jubilee/chapter-12-why-church-councils-condemned-restoration-teaching

[4] “Torture.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.etymonline.com/word/Torture

[5] “*terkw.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.etymonline.com/word/*terkw-#etymonline_v_52787

[6] “Torqueo.” Online-Latin-Dictionary. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.online-latin-dictionary.com/latin-english-dictionary.php?parola=torqueo

[7] Gargarin, Prof. Michael. “The Torture of Slaves in Athenian Law.” Classical Philology. Vol. 91, No. 1 (Jan 1996). Pp. 1-18.

[8] Andrews, Dr. Edward D. “How are we to Understand the Wrath of God?” Christian Publishing House. 2020. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2020/05/04/how-are-we-to-understand-the-wrath-of-god/

[9] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 4 The Judgments of God,” in Paul’s Epistle To the Saints in Rome Book 1. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2011) Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/pauls-epistle-to-the-saints-in-rome-book-1/chapter-4-the-judgments-of-god

Chapter 10: Redemption has a Process – It too has a Laws to Follow

[1] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 7 The Laws of Redemption,” in The Restoration of All Things. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2007). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/the-restoration-of-all-things/chapter-7-the-laws-of-redemption

[2] Heiser, Dr. Michael S. “Chapter 12 Divine Transgression,” in The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. (Lexham Press; F First Edition, Sep 1, 2015). Kindle

[3] “Jubilees 4:39-42.” Sefaria.org, A Living Library of Torah. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.sefaria.org/Book_of_Jubilees.4.42?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he

[4] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 1 The Millennium Question,” in Creation’s Jubilee. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 1991). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/creations-jubilee/chapter-1-the-millennium-question; “Chapter XV.-The False and the True Sabbath,” in The Epistle of Barnabas. Biblestudytools.com. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://www.biblestudytools.com/history/early-church-fathers/ante-nicene/vol-1-apostolic-with-justin-martyr-irenaeus/barnabas/epistle-of-barnabas.html; “Chapter XV.—The false and the true Sabbath,” in The Epistle of Barnabas. Christian Classics Ethereal Library. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://ccel.org/ccel/ignatius_antioch/epistle_of_barnabas/anf01.vi.ii.xv.html

[5] It should be noted that that if we look at the split of time. We have the patriarchs including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob accounting for ~2,500 years up to the founding of Jacob-Israel as an official nation with Moses. Then approximately ~1,500 years as a nation until Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. What we do find however, it was around ~2,000 years from Adam until the Lord called out Abraham and set up a covenant with him. Abraham as a “called out people” from the rest of the world certainly did begin around the 2,000 years marking of time.

[6] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. Creation’s Jubilee. (God’s Kingdom Ministries. 1991). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/creations-jubilee

[7] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 7 The Laws of Redemption,” in The Restoration of All Things. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2007). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/the-restoration-of-all-things/chapter-7-the-laws-of-redemption

[8] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “The Work of Elisha Part 3,” in Blogs. (God’s Kingdom Ministries. Aug 17, 2021). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/blog/2021/08/the-work-of-elisha-part-3

Chapter 12: Conclusions of the Plan

[1] I grew up strongly believing the “dispensationalism interpretative framework” as it relates to Daniels 70-Week’s prophecy. However, one day came I came across a writing in 2012 which piqued my curiosity. I read it and later discovered it came from the Seventh Day Adventists. I will hand it to them. Eschatology seen through a historic lens is an area they know well. This prompted me to spend more time on the topic and I spent several months studying and analyzing the different scriptures used by the various frameworks. Until that time, I had no knowledge there were other interpretative ways to look at eschatology. In the end, I could only conclude the historic, ongoing framework is the best way to process scripture. The Lord never stops time for prophecies. One thing for sure is the dispensationalism framework certainly is a cash cow. Maybe that is all we need to really understand? I can honestly say though, after I finished the study, the shock of the conclusions hit me hard. It was a huge earthquake in my Christianity. In fact, it was this event that eventually led me to look at the frameworks of eternal hell etc. The shock was so severe, I ended up laid up on my couch for a week. It hit me physically in my back muscles in a way I couldn’t have ever imagined. It was then later in 2018 I discovered Dr. Jones’ writings and I find his balance of Kingdom Law, History, and the Bible enough to recommend it here. The one thing I greatly appreciate about his ministry is all things are online for free. Which, personally, I respect so much. Resources to look at: Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “The 70 Weeks Error,” in the Foundation for Intercession Newsletter Issue #397. Aug 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/ffi-newsletter/2021/the-70-weeks-error; Daniel’s Seventy Weeks. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 2010). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/daniels-seventy-weeks

[2] “EDOM, IDUMEA (אדום, ‘Ιδονμάια).” Jewish Encyclopedia. 2021. Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5434-edox-idumea

[3] I have to admit I find this specific topic a bit of a political minefield in Western Christianity. If we can only consider what I shared in section 7.3.1 regarding how little people read and study the Old Testament. Combined with what I shared in section 11.1 and the dispensationalism framework originating from the Jesuit Priest Francisco Ribera in the 1500s. Then being popularized through John Nelson Darby and C. I. Scofield and his Scofield Study Bible over the last 200 plus years. We come to a place where many Christians have never heard about the separate and distinct callings related to the Scepter as recorded in Genesis 49:8-12 in regard to Judah, and the Birthright, as found in Genesis 48:8-22 in regard to Joseph-Israel and then also in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2. These can’t be combined into one nation’s calling. As they are separate and very distinct. Then if we draw in the open prophecies for the Edomites, these can only be fulfilled through today’s Jewish people, given Edom doesn’t otherwise exist as a separate nation. It was a marriage that took place that made the Judean’s responsible for all that Edom still had to accomplish. And here, I would categorically state the focus isn’t on the average, lovely, amazing, friendly modern Israeli who makes up the general population. With Edom, it is about the elite and the power brokers who rule by their own wicked desires and ignore the needs of the average person. They honestly couldn’t care less about the general population. (Which, by the way, exists as well with every people group and nation and every religion.) What we have then is quite an interesting dynamic happening, in how to understand what God is doing in the nations and people groups and which prophecies apply to whom. Don’t you think? Then there are the open prophecies for Judah. Some understanding of this connects us into Jeremiah 19:10-11; 24; 27, Isaiah 29:1-8 and then Galatians 4:22-31. As I have come now to learn, the first coming of Christ was through the Tribe/Nation/House of Judah. This is so Jesus could lay claim to the Scepter. He then took the Kingship into His own hands. This has been achieved through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the King of Judah. The second coming of Christ, yet to be fulfilled, is through the Tribe/Nation/House of Joseph-Israel (Ephraim/Manasseh) to lay claim to the Birthright. He then is King of Israel. He then establishes “the Kingdom.” Therefore, all who claim Christ as their savior and king are of Judah and are of Israel under this current age of His ecclesia. One can only be “chosen” when one accepts the King! Only upon His return then will “Shiloh” come, and the two sticks of the House of Judah and the House of Ephraim-Israel shall be joined as one (Ezekiel 37). I only ask you to consider these things if you only have been taught dispensationalism’s view on prophecy. (Zionism, Seven-year trib, antichrist world power, mark of the beast, third physical temple, restarting of the temple sacrifices etc, etc, all originate in dispensationalism’s framework) It all changes when we really research for ourselves what the Old Testament says about these two distinctions when Jacob gave the Scepter to his son Judah, and the Birthright to Ephraim/Manasseh through his son Joseph.

[4] To date, I have found that the best ministries speaking about eschatological topics with the combination of the frameworks of universal restoration and historicism come from God’s Kingdom Ministries by Dr. Stephen E. Jones (godskingdom.org) and Stone Kingdom Ministries from Dr. James Bruggeman (stonekingdom.org). Dr. Jones has an excellent three-part Bible commentary on Daniel: Prophet of the Ages and an Eight-part Bible commentary on The Revelation (book of Revelations) which draws in history and the entire Bible together. I haven’t found anything like it until now. Further, Dr. Bruggeman is as well a very interesting person and his blog Series on Mystery Babylon and the Stone Kingdom, which certainly looks at these two biblical entities from a deeply historic perspective in comparison to prophecy teachers who teach via the dispensationalism framework. Whether one agrees with their perspectives is another thing. I have found, it only helps to challenge us to seek Jesus harder to understand how He really has been governing the cosmos over the last 6,000 years.

[5] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “Chapter 5 The Restoration of All Things,” in Creation’s Jubilee. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, 1991). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/creations-jubilee/chapter-5-the-restoration-of-all-things; “Levi vs Melchizedek,” in Foundation for Intercession Newsletter Issue #390. (God’s Kingdom Ministries, Jan 2021). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/ffi-newsletter/2021/levi-vs-melchizedek

[6] Slaats, Jamie. “6. The Takeover and Upgrade Process,” in Upgrading Earth – It was never meant to be saved, it was always meant to be upgraded! (TwelveGates e.U., 2020). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://upgradingearth.org/read/upgrading-earth/6-the-takeover-and-upgrade-process/

[7] Jones, Dr. Stephen E. “How to Believe in God’s Sovereignty without Being a Fatalist,” in Articles. (God’s Kingdom Ministries). Accessed: Oct 01, 2021. https://godskingdom.org/studies/articles/how-to-believe-in-gods-sovereignty-without-being-a-fatalist

Notes

Chapter Sections

Additional Bible Copyright Notes

Chapter 2: Setting Expectations

Chapter 3: The Three Interpretative Frameworks

Chapter 4: Two Words Form a Key Battleground

Chapter 5: Another Key Leg Hell Needs to Stand On

Chapter 6: The Name of the Law Giver

Chapter 7: What Should Be Our Understanding of Sin

Chapter 8: The Fire of the Bible

Chapter 9: The Limited Liability of Sin – A Review of the Kingdom Laws of God

Chapter 10: Redemption has a Process – It too has a Laws to Follow

Chapter 12: Conclusions of the Plan