The United States in Bible Prophecy

In this authoritative and comprehensive video presentation, I will meticulously detail, employing Biblical scripture and enlightening historical texts, the connection between the lineage of the venerable Abraham and the nations we identify today with and refer to as the West. The profound covenant forged between God and Abram around 4,000 years ago, who was subsequently renamed as Abraham, encapsulated promises of monumental birthright that were foretold to culminate in immense national prominence during the end times. A vital component of this divinely predicted future was the proliferation of Abraham’s descendants into several hundred million people, ultimately evolving to become the most dominant and unparalleled group of nations on a global scale during that period, specifically leading up to the highly-anticipated second coming of Jesus.

We read about this covenant first in Genesis 12:1-3: which reads “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed'”

Within God’s statement to Abram are two promises. The first is that God would make from him “a great nation.” Now when God says something will be great then it will be significantly great. Secondly, God tells Abraham that his blessings will be so great that they will overflow to all the families of the earth.  The blessings of national greatness given to Abraham were called the “birthright” blessings because they were passed on to successive generations as a right of their birth. In this video, we will see how the birthright blessing was passed from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob and then to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Ma-Nasa.

Subsequently, God conveyed to Abraham a promise of immense significance: He assured Abraham that his lineage would expand exponentially, populating the earth in vast numbers. God declared, “I will make your descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth; such that if one could count the particles of dust on the earth, then they might also count your descendants” (Genesis 13:16).

At the age of 99, Abraham received further enlightenment from God, who elaborated on the previously made promises, revealing their comprehensive and perpetual nature. God proclaimed, “I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto you and to your descendants after you” (Genesis 17:6-7). Through this declaration, God underscored the everlasting nature of His covenant, indicating that it encompassed not just the emergence of a singular great nation, but the emergence of multiple nations coming from Abraham’s lineage.

God intended to shape all history through His promises to Abraham’s descendants of building a great nation—one that would dominate the world in the time before Christ’s second coming which we shall see. Another would have significant influence over much of the rest of the world.

Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, later known as Israel, was the patriarch of 12 sons who established the 12 tribes of Israel. Upon his journey to Egypt for a reunion with his son Joseph, Jacob, under divine inspiration, transferred the birthright blessing to Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. While all the tribes of Israel were destined to evolve into significant nations, it was specifically Ephraim and Manasseh who were bestowed with the birthright to become a company of nations and a singular great nation, respectively.

Just before Jacob died he called his sons and said, ‘Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days'” (Genesis 49:1). The promises of global greatness to the descendants of Joseph would occur “in the last days”—the time leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ!

Jacob foretold that Joseph’s two sons would develop into two powerful entities—separate yet fraternal nations of significant stature. This prophecy was marked by a promise of unmatched global prominence. It foretold that Manasseh’s offspring would ascend as a formidable, singular nation, embodying one aspect of God’s promise. Concurrently, Ephraim’s progeny were destined to realize the promise through the establishment of a company of nations, achieving a level of global supremacy unparalleled in historical records (Genesis 48:19).

The language in this prophecy shows that the blessings of burgeoning population, fabulous wealth, power and military dominance were to be fulfilled on a global scale in the last days.

God inspired Jacob to get quite specific about the characteristics to look for in the nations that would fulfill the promises made to Abraham, his grandfather. And the promise of national greatness would not be limited to the small corner of the world.

“The Almighty…will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breast and of the womb. The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph” Genesis 49:25-26

Several centuries subsequent to Jacob’s vision, his progeny, having grown to exceed three million in number, emerged from Egyptian bondage and established themselves in Canaan, thereby realizing the initial phase of his dream. Yet, the territory they claimed was modest in comparison to the expansive domains of the Egyptian empire and those of other leading empires of the time, aside from a short time of expansion under the reigns of Kings David and Solomon. But God had promised them an even larger, more encompassing territory than just Canaan.

After the Israelites we’re already settled in Canaan, during the reign of David, we find an interesting declaration in 2 Samuel 7:10 where God declared, “Moreover, I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime.” This pledge to establish Israel permanently in their own land came after the Israelites were already residing in Canaan at that time. Reinforcing this promise, the prophet Isaiah later echoed God’s enduring commitment in Isaiah 14:1: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Foreigners will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.”

But notice that God clarified the national greatness in Jacob’s dream: Genesis 28:14 “Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. They were to become as numerous as the dust of the Earth, and were too spread abroad to the entire Earth!

Again we need to understand that this birthright promise would not be fulfilled among the people of the small kingdom of Israel in ancient times. Rather, the fulfillment would be vastly greater, yet still among the same peoples of the house of Israel, though much later in history, when Israelites would dwell around the world.

The biblical promise of transforming the 10 tribes of Israel into a vast nation and assembly of nations, extending throughout the world, did not materialize during ancient times. Following the zenith of their power under Solomon’s reign, the Israelite tribes fractured into two rival kingdoms upon his demise. These were the northern kingdom, known as Israel, and the southern kingdom, referred to as Judah. The northern kingdom, comprising ten tribes and now home to approximately 6 million people, was primarily led by the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. These two tribes assumed the collective designation “Israel,” a name conferred upon them in Genesis 48:16, underscoring their leading role within the kingdom.

Conversely, the southern kingdom, known as “Judah,” was primarily under the leadership of the tribe of Judah, which included members from the tribes of Benjamin and Levi, and is the lineage from which the term “Jews” is derived. Over the course of more than two centuries, these kingdoms, both descendants of Jacob, were separate nations, often engaging in conflict with one another without ever achieving reunification. This historical context highlights a crucial distinction: while all Jews are Israelites, descendants of Jacob, not all Israelites are Jews, reflecting a broader ethnic diversity within the ancient Hebrew populations.

Both of these small Middle Eastern states disappeared off the map in ancient times. First, Israel was taken into captivity through invasions by the Assyrian Empire, one in 733 B.C. and another in 722 B.C. Because of their many sins, as second Kings 17:23 tells us, “the Lord removed Israel out of His sight…So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.” Never returning to their homeland, they became known to history as “the lost 10 tribes” of Israel. Nonetheless, God’s assurances of national greatness to Israel remained unrevoked.

The kingdom of Judah, repeating Israel’s sins, was conquered and exiled by the Babylonian Empire in 586 B.C. Only a small group of exiles of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi returned from Babylon to set up the politically weak provinces where Jesus Christ’s ministry took place as you will find recorded in Nehemiah 11:3-36. However, 600 years later after Jesus’s crucifixion and two disastrous rebellions against Rome from A.D. 66-73 and 132-135, Jewish power was shattered until 1948.

The 1948 establishment of the Jewish state as “Israel” introduced significant confusion regarding the historical and biblical distinction between “Israel” and “Judah.” This decision diverged from expectations, including those of President Harry Truman, who, along with his advisors, anticipated a name reflective of the Jewish tribe of Judah, such as “Judea.” This naming has led to widespread misunderstandings among Christians, particularly in interpreting biblical prophecies. The term “Judah” specifically refers to the Jewish people, descendants of the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in scriptures like Zephaniah 2 and Zechariah 12 and 14. In contrast, “Israel” in a birthright sense relates to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim, prophesied to become a “nation and a company of nations.” The choice to name the modern state “Israel” has thus blurred the lines between these distinct identities, affecting the interpretation of prophecies that differentiate between Israel and Judah, and leading to a conflation of the modern state with all biblical references to Israel.

We see then that these birthright promises of national greatness for Israel were never fulfilled by Israel in the past because God intended them for the last days right before Christ returns. After Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity they disappear from history and became known as the “lost tribes of Israel.” They may have been lost from history but they were not lost to God who is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Around 610 BC, the narrative unfolds with the ten tribes of Israel, alongside the Medes and Persians, overthrowing the Assyrian rule and achieving liberation from captivity. The question arises: How were the significant birthright promises of national importance ultimately realized? Insightful details emerge from the apocryphal text of Second Esdras 13:41-45, which reveals, “the ten tribes of Israel took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt, that they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in their own land. And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the river. For the most High then showed signs for them, and held still the flood, till they were passed over. For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.” This passage highlights the tribes’ collective decision to seek a new homeland, far from the influence of other nations, where they could faithfully adhere to their statutes—a commitment they struggled to maintain in their own land. Their remarkable journey through the Euphrates, guided and protected by divine interventions, led them to Arsareth, a journey taking a year and a half, marking a pivotal moment in their quest to fulfill God’s promises.

It is posited that the ten tribes of Israel embarked on a westward journey across the Caucasus Mountains, making their way into Europe. Their passage through the Caucasus Mountains has led to the tribes that entered Europe being termed “Caucasians.” This account becomes particularly fascinating when noting that the Celts appeared in Western Europe contemporaneously with the migration of the ten tribes of Israel from the eastern side of the Caucasus Mountains. This coincidence in timing adds a layer of historical intrigue to the narrative, suggesting a possible connection between these ancient peoples and their movements across significant geographical barriers.

The Celtic population, initially numbering in the millions, expanded exponentially as they migrated in successive waves toward the west and northwest. Their journey took them to regions such as Galatia, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Colossae, and reaching as far as what is today known as Hallstatt, Austria, and Neuchâtel, Switzerland. This migration led to the Celts’ eventual dominance over the cultural and social landscapes of Northern and Western Europe.

The diverse groups collectively referred to as Celts, including the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Vandals, Danes, Normans, Cimmerians, Scythians, Gauls, Lombards, Belgae, Danaoi, Massagetae, Milesians, Masilia, Sarmatians, Germani, Goths, and Franks, constitute the foundational ancestry of modern Europeans and Americans. Moreover, these groups have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of global Christianity, establishing themselves as its central pillar.

Years later Josephus Flavius, a renowned Jewish historian from the time of Jesus, noted that that Israel had indeed migrated to that area when he said “The Ten Tribes are beyond the Euphrates until this day, and are an immense multitude, whose numbers cannot be estimated.” This statement underscores the enduring mystery and significant scale of the tribes’ diaspora, linking their migration with pivotal developments in ancient European history.

Many biblical texts prophesy the widespread dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel. Deuteronomy 28:64 vividly anticipates their scattering across the globe. It reads “For the LORD will scatter you among all the nations from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship foreign gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, gods made of wood and stone!” This theme is also mirrored in the Book of Hosea in chapters 8 and 9, portraying the tribes’ assimilation and identity loss amidst foreign nations. Such narratives predict the dilution of their distinct cultural and religious essence as they merge into diverse societies. Ezekiel 12:15 contributes to this narrative, suggesting that despite their dispersal, the Israelites would remain cognizant of God’s dominion. This suite of prophecies paints a picture of a diaspora that not only spans continents and centuries, but also signifies the tribes’ integration into the global cultural tapestry.

Despite their apparent erasure from historical records, the ten tribes have never escaped divine surveillance. Amos 9:9 uses the analogy of grain meticulously sifted yet not lost, to emphasize God’s vigilant preservation of the Israelites amidst their diaspora. It reads “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Furthermore, Hosea 3:4-5 details the post-dispersion phase of the Israelites, marked by a significant estrangement from their traditional societal and religious frameworks, including the absence of monarchic leadership and religious rites. It reads “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” This scenario highlights a divine commitment to safeguarding the tribes, promising their sustained existence and hinting at a future reclamation of their identity, despite their historical obscurity.

The narrative of the tribes of Israel speaks to their destined dispersion, rendering them seemingly forgotten by history for an extended period. Nevertheless, this scattering was to precede their prophetic re-emergence in the latter days, a resurgence that would see them realizing the divine prophecies of becoming a great nation and a commonwealth of nations. Hosea 1:10 encapsulates this promise, indicating a future where the once unacknowledged children of Israel would be recognized as the progeny of the living God, likening their number to the uncountable grains of sand by the sea. “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” This scripture foretells a transformative period where their identity and their divine connection as sons of God are reaffirmed, marking a significant fulfillment of God’s covenant.

The fulfillment of the prophecies regarding Israel’s prominence on a global scale in recent times has unfolded in a manner that is absolutely amazing. Historical and cultural evidence suggests that the descendants of the ten tribes of Israel were dispersed widely across Europe, with notable groups such as Ephraim and Manasseh establishing roots in England. This widespread settlement across the continent reflects the vast and impactful legacy predicted in biblical prophecies, highlighting a significant chapter in the narrative of Israel’s enduring influence and lineage.

By 410 AD, the Anglo-Saxons, a coalition of the Angles and Saxons, had solidly established themselves in Britain, marking a significant phase in the island’s history. The name “England” is etymologically derived from “Angle,” which can be traced further back to “Aegel,” historically associated with Ephraim as hinted at in Jeremiah 31:18. Moreover, the origin of the term “British” is intriguingly theorized to stem from the Hebrew “berit,” meaning “covenant,” and “ish,” translating to “man” or “people,” thereby suggesting the conceptual identity of the British as the “people of the covenant.” This notion embeds a profound biblical reference within the very nomenclature of the British Isles. Furthermore, an etymological examination reveals a fascinating linguistic connection between “Saxon” and “sons of Isaac,” offering an additional layer of historical and biblical resonance. These linguistic and historical threads weave together a narrative that maps the identity, migrations, and enduring legacy of Israel’s tribes, illustrating their profound influence and the intricate patterns of their movements throughout history.

Emanating from Ephraim emerged a commonwealth of nations that would ultimately forge the British Empire, unparalleled in scale and influence throughout history. This connection is further explored through the lineage of Joseph, with Deuteronomy 33:17 depicting his descendants’ might and reach: “His glory is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of a unicorn. With them he will push the people to the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”

This prophetic imagery likening Ephraim’s descendants to the powerful and far-reaching horns of a unicorn which colonized the world and is intriguingly mirrored in the modern British Royal Coat of Arms, adorned with a unicorn symbol. The British Empire, in its zenith, governed territories vastly surpassing the Roman Empire in both land and populace, commanding nearly a quarter of the world’s land surface and population. This included the planet’s most bountiful regions. Its dominance was further cemented by the Royal Navy’s control over critical maritime gates such as the Suez Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Cape of Good Hope, the Strait of Malacca, and the Persian Gulf, epitomizing the biblical promise of Genesis 22:17, where it was foretold that Israel’s descendants would possess the gates of their enemies.

The legacy of the British Empire is encapsulated in the Commonwealth of Nations, comprising Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which share a common heritage rooted in this historical and biblical lineage. This grand narrative not only highlights the empire’s territorial and demographic supremacy but also underscores the enduring spiritual and cultural connections that trace back to the ancient tribes of Israel, fulfilling the scriptural foresight of global influence and control.

Additionally, emerging from the lineage of Manasseh, as foretold, was a formidable nation destined to achieve global dominance in the latter days. Its inhabitants, initially residing alongside the Ephraimites in Great Britain, embarked on a journey of westward expansion, culminating in their distinct separation. This pivotal divergence was marked by colonization efforts and the quest for independence, ultimately leading to the American Revolution. This historic event set the stage for the creation of the United States, an embodiment of the concept of manifest destiny.

The United States has risen to unparalleled prominence on the international stage, wielding significant influence across a spectrum of sectors and shaping the global landscape with its strategic initiatives. Its military prowess stands unrivaled, characterized by a formidable armed forces that surpasses the combined might of the next ten most powerful nations. This unparalleled military strength is further enhanced by a comprehensive network of global alliances and an extensive array of military bases around the world, underscoring the strategic depth and robust protective capabilities of the United States.

The United States boasts the largest GDP in the world, making it the world’s largest economy. This economic power is driven by a diverse and technologically advanced industrial base, encompassing sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and manufacturing. Additionally, the United States stands as the principal exporter of food worldwide, earning the designation as the world’s breadbasket. This role aligns with the prophetic vision articulated in Isaiah 27:26, which states, “He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit,” thereby positioning the United States as a key fulcrum in global food security and agricultural output

The U.S. dollar is the foremost reserve currency globally, anchoring international trade and financial transactions. The United States boasts the world’s most expansive and liquid financial markets, notably the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, which together command a substantial share of global equity trading. Beyond this, the United States wields considerable influence over major international financial organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Within these institutions, U.S. policies and ideologies are pivotal, significantly influencing the direction of global economic governance.

Culturally, the U.S. exerts a soft power that is unmatched, with American media, entertainment, and lifestyle trends gaining global traction and influencing societies worldwide. In technology and innovation, the country leads in groundbreaking research and the establishment of international standards, especially in fields such as information technology and biotechnology. This technological leadership not only drives global innovation but also sets the pace for future advancements.

Furthermore, the U.S.’s role in the establishment and guidance of major international bodies has facilitated the implementation of policies and projects that significantly impact the world’s economic health. Through these institutions, the U.S. promotes its geopolitical and economic interests, reinforcing its position as a central figure in international relations and policy-making. This multifaceted influence encompasses military, economic, cultural, technological, and institutional domains, firmly establishing the United States as a pivotal player in global affairs and a key architect of the international order.

The United States and Great Britain have played the primary roles in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ across the globe, engaging in an array of endeavors including missionary initiatives, the translation and dissemination of the Bible, the foundation of educational bodies, and the execution of charitable and humanitarian missions. The establishment of the British Bible Society in 1804 signaled the commencement of an international crusade aimed at the broad distribution of Christian scriptures, transcending denominational barriers. This pioneering venture was soon followed by the inception of the American Bible Society in 1816, further underscoring the commitment to making the Bible accessible on a global scale. Together, these organizations have been pivotal in nurturing the Christian faith worldwide, making the scriptures readily available to a diverse audience. Their concerted efforts have significantly contributed to not only the diffusion of the gospel but also to the spiritual enrichment and evolution of individuals and communities across the planet.

The collective contributions of Western countries, including the U.S., have been instrumental in driving global advancements in science, technology, democracy, human rights, and economic development. Echoing the biblical promise made by God to Abraham, that his descendants would become a blessing to all the world, these contributions have facilitated significant progress in various fields, from the Scientific Revolution and Industrial Revolution to the advancement of democracy and human rights. Western countries have also been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, providing substantial aid to tackle global challenges such as hunger, health crises, and economic development. The establishment of key international institutions by Western nations has furthered global governance and peacekeeping efforts, highlighting their integral role in fostering global stability and development, thereby continuing the legacy of being a blessing to the nations.

In conclusion, the narrative of national greatness as foretold in the Bible, through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, finds its profound fulfillment in the modern era. The sons of Jacob settled and established many of the modern nations in Europe. Additionally, the United States and the British-descended nations, as descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim fulfilled the prophetic promises of a great nation and a commonwealth of nations, respectively.

This historical unfolding echoes God’s faithfulness, as He guides the destinies of nations in alignment with His ancient promises. The intertwining of prophecy and history not only underscores the pivotal role of these nations in God’s plan but also highlights the enduring faithfulness of God in fulfilling His words across generations. As we witness the realization of these biblical prophecies in contemporary times, it serves as a testament to God’s unchanging commitment to His covenant and His sovereign orchestration of history.

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The Divine Energizer: Jesus as the Cosmic Source of Life

As someone who seeks to integrate faith and intellect, I am fascinated by the profound mysteries of the universe and how they intersect with our understanding of Scripture. In particular, I find the concept of Jesus as the source of all life and energy to be both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. In this article, I will explore the scriptural perspective that supports the idea of Jesus as the primary force of life, the parent energy source from which all forms of energy derive.

The Scriptures reveal Jesus as the Creator of all things. In the Gospel of John, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3, NIV). This passage highlights Jesus as the Word of God, through whom everything in the universe was created. As such, Jesus holds a central role in the creative process, and all forms of life and energy find their origin in Him.

Furthermore, the Scriptures portray Jesus as the sustainer of all things. In the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul writes, “He [Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17, NIV). This passage emphasizes Jesus as the one who holds the universe together, sustaining its existence and maintaining its order. It suggests that Jesus is not only the Creator of all life and energy, but also the ongoing source of their sustenance.

The idea of Jesus as the primary force of LIFE aligns with the scientific understanding of energy as the fundamental force underlying all physical phenomena. According to the laws of physics, energy is neither created nor destroyed, but rather transformed from one form to another. It is the driving force behind all processes and activities in the universe, from the movement of celestial bodies to the biochemical reactions in living organisms. Energy is the foundation upon which the entire physical universe is built, and all forms of life and energy derive from it.

In light of this scientific understanding, the scriptural perspective of Jesus as the initiator of all life offers a compelling and holistic framework for understanding the interplay between science and faith. It does not posit a conflict between the two, but rather invites us to view them as complementary avenues of exploration. It suggests that the insights gleaned from scientific inquiry can enrich our understanding of Scripture, and vice versa. It encourages us to embrace a holistic worldview that integrates both our intellectual curiosity and our spiritual convictions, allowing them to inform and enrich each other.

The idea of Jesus as the source of all life also has practical implications for our faith and daily lives. It invites us to view all of creation, including ourselves, as imbued with the divine energy of Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 (KJV)Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. This verse reminds us that Jesus is not distant and disconnected from the physical universe, but rather intimately involved in every aspect of it. It encourages us to see the world around us, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast galaxies, as infused with the life-giving energy of Jesus. It challenges us to reorient our perspective on the natural world and see it as a manifestation of the divine presence. It calls us to stewardship and care for the environment, recognizing that all of creation is interconnected and sustained by the cosmic force of life, which is Jesus himself.

(written with help from ChatGPT)

Tracing the Trinity: Unveiling the Plurality of God in the Old Testament

Have you ever read the Old Testament and wondered why the concept of God seems to be so complex and multifaceted? Sure, God is presented as one, but there are hints of something more going on. Well, my friend, you’re not alone. Many have struggled with this apparent plurality of God in the Old Testament, and I’m here to help make sense of it all.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the Bible repeatedly affirms that there is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This statement is known as the Shema, and it has been central to Jewish and Christian monotheism for thousands of years. So, how can we reconcile this with the hints of a plurality of God in the Old Testament?

Well, the answer lies in understanding the nature of God. Christians believe that God is a triune being – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this concept is not explicitly stated in the Old Testament, there are hints of it throughout.

One such hint is found in the very first chapter of the Bible. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'” The use of the plural pronouns “us” and “our” suggests that there is more going on than just a solitary God. Some have suggested that this could be God speaking to angels or other heavenly beings, but this explanation doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the Bible’s teaching.

Another hint is found in the way that God is referred to in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for God is “Elohim,” which is a plural noun. While this could simply be a plural of majesty, it’s interesting to note that other words for God, such as “El” and “Yahweh,” are singular. This suggests that there is something unique about the word “Elohim.”

So, what does all of this mean? Well, it suggests that God is not a solitary being, but exists in some kind of plurality. This plurality is later revealed in the New Testament as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not to say that the Old Testament authors were aware of the full complexity of God’s nature, but rather that they were given hints and glimpses of it by the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 30:4 is another passage that hints at a plurality within God’s nature. The author of Proverbs writes, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!” The mention of both God’s name and his son’s name suggests that there is more than one person within God’s nature. Again, while this passage does not explicitly mention the Trinity, it does provide another hint at the plurality of God.

In conclusion, while the concept of the Trinity is not explicitly spelled out in the Old Testament, there are hints and glimpses of it throughout. These hints suggest that God is not a solitary being, but exists in some kind of plurality. As Christians, we believe that this plurality is revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this may seem like a complex and confusing concept, it is at the heart of our faith and helps us to understand God’s nature and character more fully.

The One Thing

God’s will toward each of His children is far better than most of us have ever imagined. Our Creator desires for us to live rich, fulfilled, purposeful and meaningful lives. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” If you are a Believer, you must believe that God‘s plan for your life is perfect because that’s what his Word says. Our God is a good Father who created a custom designed life for us that matches beautifully with the interests and desires that He has placed within our hearts. God desires to transform each of us from tired, angry, fearful, and sorrowful people into energetic, joyful, peaceful and faith-filled people. Imagine your life full of restful purpose and meaning, pulsating with joyous energy and a clear mind. The Lord has shown us what we can expect if we simply believe His outrageous words. He has provided us a written plan and has promised us good results if we believe and act on it.


Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This is the key and the method needed to transform our lives into what God designed. We are transformed by the renewing of our mind. God‘s design requires our involvement in order to see personal transformation. When we spend time meditating in God’s Word our mind is renewed and we prove to ourselves that God’s plan for us is good, perfect and acceptable. If you allow the supernatural Word of God to change you on the inside then you will see your outside life greatly improve also. Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) “For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he.” You become what you focus on in your heart! If we fail to do the ONE THING that is required then transformation will not happen.


God’s Word is actually alive and when applied it will transform your entire life. The supernatural Word touches the natural soul and the natural soul is changed. ( Hebrews 4:12). The way to transformation is to keep looking at the Word (Jesus). 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen [are] temporary, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. You need to realize that it is in the “eternal” things where the power of change resides.


If you think about it you experience your life in your soul. The soul is where we experience fear, anger, sadness, and disgust. It is via the soul that you reason, think, judge, remember, desire, and imagine. It’s also where we experience anticipation, wonderment, surprise and happiness. It’s no wonder that the condition of our soul affects the elevation of our life. The Word in you will greatly reduce and eliminate your fears, anxieties, worries, loneliness, tiredness, shortsightedness, and shame. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The more we see Jesus in the Word, the more we are transformed into His image. 1 John 3:2 (NIV) “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” One day we will see Him face to face and we will immediately and completely be transformed into His image! In the meantime, your earthly life is changed over time as you allow the Word to do it’s work.

The Lord’s Instruction

Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

 

This proverb states a general truth but has specific personal applications that will profit us. The Bible tells us that God’s specific plan for your life is perfect in every way. Because God‘s plan for our lives is perfect, any deviation from the plan would naturally diminish our lives. Because his plan is good and perfect we want that for our lives. The correction and instruction in this proverb has been provided by God. If God is correcting us then that would indicate that we’ve stepped off the path that he’s ordained for us. When the Lord corrects us he is warning us that we’ve stepped off the path that he’s prepared for us. Clearly it’s stupid to reject correction that will elevate our lives. Clearly it’s foolish to think that we know better than the God who created us.

 

How To Enjoy God

That is such a great question. That question really goes to the root of understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Because it starts there – relationship. You are currently right now in an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.  The debt and judgment and penalty and weight of our sin was fully carried by Jesus on the cross. Our fellowship with our father is not based on how well we perform. We have been declared “righteous“ in the heavenly courts! Meditate on that for a few minutes and see what it does to your relationship with God.

Learn to roll all your care over on him. Jesus said his yoke is easy and his load is light. We are not doing God any service when we insist on carrying some of the load. Jesus urges us to roll over our cares on him. This pleases him. As you roll over your care you will find yourself with a “lightness” about you. You experience peace and joy when you get rid of your load and trust in Jesus. You come to deeply appreciate what Jesus has done for you and enjoy God at a deeper level when you are not carrying around that weight of guilt.

The more you “know” these truths, the more elevated your life becomes. As your mind becomes renewed to this truth, you have less and less a consciousness of sin. You come to fully realize that there is no condemnation for you in this world. You see more clearly that there is no obstacle hindering you from a completely transparent and far more intimate relationship with God.  In fact, all of God‘s power and favor are operating for your benefit. So to answer your question, your enjoyment of your relationship with your heavenly father will continue to grow the more aware you become of how good Jesus actually is and what he’s done to purchase a victorious life for you.

 

FEAR

Ask yourself this question: Is there any fear in my life? The answer to this question will always be “yes” because we all experience some level of fear. I believe that we all undergo the effects of fear even more than we are consciously aware of. I believe that medical science is just starting to scratch the surface in understanding the negative ramifications that fear causes in our body, our mind, and our life in general. Fear inhibits us from initiating contact with other people, it impedes our ability to take positive action in our lives and it tamps down our desire for adventure. Clearly our lives would be greatly enhanced if our fears were eliminated or greatly reduced. Because the scriptures tell us repeatedly not to fear we know what God’s will is in regard to fear. He wants it completely out of our lives. So if we realize that we have fear that greatly diminishes our life experiences and God wants that fear removed then why is it still there? Are we so insane that we will accept weakened and debilitated lives because we choose not to believe our heavenly Father? Since we desire a fear-free abundant life wouldn’t it behoove us to find out from the scriptures God’s way of getting rid of our fear?

As believers in Jesus Christ we know that we have the Spirit of God who will guide and direct us into all Truth. He has given us the Word of God to transform us as we partner with Him. All of God’s Word is true and it is appropriated into our lives through faith.  Our part is to mediate on the promises of God and to believe that what He said about us is true. As we spend time in His presence mediating on His Word we will receive deeper revelation of the Truth.

1 John 4:18 (NIV) “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives (casts) out all fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  What is said here is quite stunning. Do not gloss over it so quickly. He is telling us that all fear will be driven out of our lives as we become perfected in love. This is the point at which many in the church go off into a ditch. They start doubling their efforts to love God and their fellow man more. However this verse is not about our love toward God but about God’s love towards us. This is a huge distinction and one that should be noted clearly. Fears shrinks in our lives the more that we understand the depths of God’s love towards us. Many believers see God as harsh and unloving. They think that God is waiting to punish them whenever they step out of line.

We understand a bit more about this as we look into the verse that precedes this one. 1 John 4:17 (KJV) 17 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.” Our love is perfected in this world as we come to realize that “as He is so are we.”  That is one of the promises of God that simply staggers the imagination. Actually it is not a promise at all but a fact. God is telling us that when He looks at us He see Jesus! As Jesus is right now – glorified, seated at the right hand of God far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, free of shame and condemnation – so are we. We have been placed in Christ Jesus. Jesus was punished for our sins once and for all and He will never need to be punished again. Jesus took our full punishment and we have been declared righteous in the courts of heaven. This is the crux of the gospel. Fear will flee as we keep our eyes on Jesus and we become mindful that we are now under the unclouded favor of our Father.

 

Faith in God’s Blessings

Favor is God’s full attention and power committed to prospering me in all areas of my life according to 3 John. By grace’s very definition ‘unmerited favor’ it means there is nothing that I can do to earn that favor. If there is nothing that I can do to earn the favor then there’s nothing that I can do that would disqualify me from walking in the full blessing and favor of God in all areas of my life. All I have to do is BELIEVE that what God said He will do, He will accomplish. The only “sin” that you can commit that would disqualify you would be the sin of unbelief. The sin of unbelief doesn’t disqualify you but rather it interferes with the manifestation of favor in your life. If you think about it, the only reason that you would doubt that you receive would be because you thought that you didn’t deserve it or maybe you believed that you did something to disqualify you from receiving. Therefore, if you just take God at His Word, nothing you can do can stop His blessing from manifesting in your life.

This is how spiritual law works. Just as gravity is a physical law — faith is a spiritual law. Faith works every time it is put to work. Everything in the physical realm was birthed from the spiritual realm. In order for God to manifest his multiple blessings in the physical realm in your life He needs you to operate in faith. Faith is the key that opens the floodgates so that the blessings can flow in. God has already blessed us with every blessing and earthly favor but you need to release it into your life. You unlock the floodgates by faith in God’s goodness and in knowing that His desire is to pour out blessings and favor on you. It’s faith in the integrity of God’s Word knowing that what He said He will do. It’s faith in understanding that God’s power is more than enough to deliver you, promote you, provide for you or heal you. The key to walking in faith is to let go of fear and worry. As you let go of any worry that you have you are demonstrating that you have faith that God is in control. As you let go of any fear that you have then you are showing your faith in your Father. “All things are possible to him that believes”

 

Biblical Humility in a Nutshell

Pride is defined as taking satisfaction in one’s own achievements.  Humility is to trust God alone to achieve in us and through us.  The proud man is self-reliant but the humble man is reliant upon God.  Joseph Prince says it best when he says “When we work, God rests and when we rest, God works.” God wants us to completely trust in Him and come to Him for every want, need or desire.

Proverbs 3:34. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Our part is to rest and to believe that God will do what he promised to do for us. Rest means to cease from our own efforts to accomplish something. The opposite of oppose is to aid, assist, favor, help, and support. This is what it means when it says that God gives grace to the humble. He comes to our assistance and offers us support. He pours out his favor upon us as we humble ourselves and trust in his ability rather then our own ability.

In Proverbs 28:25 it says “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat (prosper and enriched.” In Matthew 23:12 God promises to exalt (rise to a position of greater power or higher rank ) the humble. James 1:21 says In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls (mind, emotions & will).  We cannot save our souls without the word and we cannot receive the word without humility.