Saturday, August 2, 2025

The Chronological Destiny of Souls: From This Age to Eternity

The afterlife and the journey of the soul are topics that often leave many questions unanswered. How does eternity unfold? What happens after death? While many theological perspectives offer insights into these mysteries, I believe the timeline of eternity follows a clear, sequential path, closely tied to the return of Yeshua and His eternal reign.

In this blog, I will lay out my perspective on the chronological destiny of souls, detailing the phases that occur from our current age to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth. This journey includes key events such as the return of Yeshua, the millennial reign, and the ultimate victory over evil. I will also discuss the timeline of the 666 years of tribulation and the transition to the eternal Kingdom. The purpose is to offer a biblical framework for understanding how eternity unfolds, encouraging us to align our lives with God's plan and the reality of the world to come.

The Present Age: Living Under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

As we think about the afterlife and eternity, it’s important to understand the chronological unfolding of God's plan for the world and for our souls. We currently live in what we understand as the present age, a time in which we are absent from the physical presence of Yeshua. During this period, we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in faith and righteousness.

The Return of Yeshua: Reigning from the Clouds

But this age is not the final chapter. There is a coming phase when Yeshua will return to rule and reign over the earth in physical form. However, I do not believe that Yeshua will set foot on the earth itself. Instead, He will lead from the clouds, with His presence felt by all. During this time, the elect, those from the altar, will reign on the earth under His leadership. These individuals will rule in His presence, but Yeshua Himself will remain in the heavens.

The Period of 666: Great Tribulation and Martyrdom

Following this, we will enter what I refer to as the period of the 666—a time of great tribulation, suffering, and martyrdom. For 666 years, those from the altar will be killed and slaughtered in a mass martyrdom, until none are left. This period will test the faith of many, but it will also serve to purify those who will eventually inherit the eternal Kingdom.

The Millennial Reign: A Thousand Years of Paradise

After the 666 years, the millennial reign will begin. During this time, Satan and his followers will be cast into the abyss (Revelation 20:3), and for the first time, the earth will be free from the rule of evil. Yeshua will reign on the earth in a perfected state, bringing about a paradise on earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6). This will be a period of peace, justice, and righteousness.

The Final Rebellion and Victory: Satan's Last Stand

Following the millennial reign, we will see the final act of rebellion, where Satan and his followers will be released from the abyss to deceive the nations one last time. This will spark a quick war, but as promised in Scripture, we will prevail, and evil will be eradicated once and for all. After this final victory, the current earth and heavens will be destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:10), making way for the creation of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

The New Heaven and New Earth: The Eternal Kingdom

At this point, New Jerusalem will descend from heaven, and God's eternal Kingdom will be established forever. The new creation will be free from sin, death, and suffering, and God will dwell with His people in perfect unity. This is the timeline of eternity, where time as we know it will cease, and the eternal reign of God will begin.

New Jerusalem: The Eternal Dwelling Place of God and His People

This is how I see the chronological unfolding of eternity, as laid out in Scripture. While the afterlife itself is a mystery, this framework helps us understand how our choices today fit into God’s grand timeline. In the end, what truly matters is how we live in this present age, in alignment with God's will, as we prepare for the eternal reality to come.

A Personal Perspective on the Afterlife: Understanding the Three Zones

The afterlife is often a subject of mystery, with different perspectives and interpretations. What happens to our soul after we die? Is there a clear structure? In my view, the afterlife is deeply connected to one's character and relationship with the Lord. It unfolds in a sequence that aligns with spiritual growth and the choices we make during our lives.

While I’m sharing my perspective here, it’s important to understand that this is my interpretation, and I recommend that you come up with your own framework based on Scripture. Use what I and others say as an aid to your own interpretation, but I encourage you to seek out a personal understanding. To help you get started, I recommend reading my article "Framework: An Aid in Developing Your Personal Understanding of the Afterlife" as it provides a far greater resource for building your own understanding than my interpretation alone.

Three Main Zones for the Soul

In my perspective, there are three key destinations or zones for the soul after death. These zones represent different paths based on one's faith, actions, and alignment with God. While I will provide full details on three of these zones in this article, there is a fourth category, the 144,000, which I will address separately in another piece.

The Altar: The Path of the Elect

The first and highest path is for those who are destined for the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ. I believe that when the saints pass away, they go to the altar as described in Revelation 6:9-11. This altar is symbolic of the outer court of the New Jerusalem, which I see as the “brazen altar” of the heavenly realm. The souls who enter this space are not yet ready to enter New Jerusalem, but they are in a holding place, awaiting the return of Yeshua.

When Yeshua returns in the clouds, these souls will rise with Him to reign on Earth. They will return in perfected, nearly immortal bodies. These perfected bodies will be similar to Yeshua’s own body when He lived on Earth for 33 years, walked in great power and authority, and was able to perform miraculous acts (such as healing, raising the dead, and walking on water). Philippians 3:21 speaks to this transformation, "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

The perfected bodies of the elect will be immortal, like Yeshua's, free from sickness, decay, and death. However, these bodies will not be invulnerable to harm in the same way that the perfected Yeshua’s body was when He was on Earth, and they can be killed and martyred. During a period of great tribulation before the millennial reign, there will be a mass martyrdom where those who refuse the mark of the beast (666) will be slaughtered. Those who survive will be permitted to enter New Jerusalem.

The Nations: The Path of the Rest

The second group consists of the nations. These souls fall asleep after death, awaiting the judgment of the New Earth. Revelation 20:13 speaks of the sea, where many souls sleep. These individuals will wake up to eternity, but they are not destined for the lake of fire, nor will they enter New Jerusalem. Instead, they will inherit the New Earth.

The nations will not reside in New Jerusalem, as Yeshua will remain the King of New Jerusalem. The nations will have kings who rule over them (Revelation 21:24), but they will not hold authority within the city. The New Jerusalem will be reserved for the bride of Christ, the saints who have overcome and are made perfect in their faith.

The Lake of Fire: The Path of Damnation

The third path is for those who reject God, and this leads to the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 warns that anyone not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, which represents eternal separation from God. This final destination is the second death, the ultimate damnation for the soul.

Before reaching this final judgment, souls are kept in the abyss or Hades, a temporary holding place. Revelation 20:13 notes that the dead will be judged from the things written in the books, and those who are not found worthy will be cast into the lake of fire.

The Millennial Reign: A Period of Transformation

The Millennial Reign of Yeshua is a pivotal event in the afterlife. Revelation 20:4-6 describes a thousand-year period where Yeshua reigns on Earth, and those who are part of His kingdom will live and rule with Him. This period is crucial in the transformation of the world, as it marks the time when the saints (the elect) and those of the nations experience a time of peace and justice under His reign.

After the thousand years, Satan will be released from the abyss to deceive the nations one final time, but this rebellion will be quickly crushed. Revelation 20:7-10 explains the final battle, after which the current heavens and earth will be destroyed. This leads to the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, Revelation 21:1, where the New Jerusalem will be established as the eternal home of the saints.

The Book of Life and the Lamb’s Book of Life

A key distinction in the afterlife is between the Book of Life and the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 20:12 mentions the Book of Life, which contains the names of those destined for the nations. These individuals will inherit the New Earth but will not dwell in the New Jerusalem. The Lamb's Book of Life, on the other hand, contains the names of those destined to be part of the bride of Christ, the saints who will rule with Yeshua in New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:27 shows that only those whose names are in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter the New Jerusalem.

Paradise: Where Yeshua Is

I believe that paradise is simply wherever Yeshua is. Luke 23:43 recounts Yeshua telling the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with Me in paradise." Paradise is not a specific location but the presence of God, where the righteous will dwell in fellowship with Him. Those in paradise, whether in the altar or the New Earth, will experience the fullness of life in the presence of God.

The White Garments: A Symbol of the Bride

In Revelation 3:5 and Revelation 7:9-14, we see the significance of white garments. These garments are symbolic of the purity and righteousness of the bride of Christ. Those who are part of the bride will wear these garments as a sign of their victory over sin and death, representing their readiness to enter the eternal presence of God in the New Jerusalem.

Life After Death: The Choice Still Matters

Even after the destruction of the old heavens and earth, sin will still be a choice in the New Earth. While death will lose its power, the possibility of demotion exists. You can still lose your place in the nations or the bride, and the path to the lake of fire remains open to those who reject God’s ways. Revelation 21:8 warns that those who choose sin will face eternal separation from God.

Conclusion: Understanding the Afterlife

In summary, the afterlife, as I see it, is a deeply personal journey that involves three main destinations based on one's faith and character. The altar represents the path for the elect, the nations inherit the New Earth, and those who reject God face the lake of fire. The Millennial Reign, the New Jerusalem, and the presence of God in paradise are key elements in shaping the final eternal state.

This view of the afterlife helps bring clarity to the various Scriptures on the subject and emphasizes that our actions, choices, and alignment with God matter not just in this life but for eternity. May we live with that understanding, always striving to enter into the presence of the Lamb and to be part of His eternal Kingdom.

The 144,000: A Possible Connection to the Massacres of Innocents

In the Bible, we encounter the tragic events of the Massacre of the Innocents, where King Herod ordered the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem, in an attempt to eliminate the prophesied newborn King, Yeshua. Similarly, in the time of Moses, Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the Nile River in an effort to prevent the Israelites from growing too numerous. Both of these massacres represent acts of great cruelty, aimed at destroying God’s chosen deliverers before they could fulfill their purpose.

What if there’s a connection between these innocent children who were slaughtered and the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7:4-8 and Revelation 14:1-5? These 144,000 are described as being sealed and set apart by God, chosen for a special role in His Kingdom. They are said to be “without fault” and “without lie” (Revelation 14:5), living in purity and holiness. The purity of their character is one of the defining characteristics that sets them apart.

Many believe that the 144,000 are symbolic of the faithful, but what if they also represent those young children who died prematurely during the massacres, including the infants slain by Herod’s decree and Pharaoh’s command? These children, innocent and pure in heart, would be the only ones capable of living with such purity as described in Revelation 14:5, where it says they "are blameless" and "no lie was found in their mouths." Their premature deaths, while tragic, could have served as a fulfillment of God’s plan, not as a loss but as a gain, being preserved for a special purpose in His Kingdom.

These children, being too young to have sinned in the way adults do, would have been seen as pure vessels, untainted by the corruptions of the world. The 144,000, therefore, could be a collective group of souls who, though they were taken from the earth in their infancy, were set apart by God for a special calling—a calling they fulfill in eternity, where their purity and innocence remain untarnished.

The Bible speaks of the purity and holiness required to stand before the Lord in His Kingdom. Matthew 18:3 says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Perhaps these innocent souls, those lost in the tragedies of the massacres, are the very ones described in Revelation who stand as a witness to God's justice and mercy, embodying the purity required to enter into His presence.

In this view, the 144,000 could very well represent the souls of young children who, though their lives were cut short on earth, are now forever living in the purity of God's presence, chosen by Him for a purpose that transcends human understanding. Their innocence, unmarred by the effects of sin, makes them uniquely qualified to fulfill their role in God's eternal plan.

Framework: An Aid in Developing Your Personal Understanding of the Afterlife

As believers, we are often called to wrestle with the mysteries of the afterlife. What happens to our souls when this life ends? What does the world beyond this age look like? These are profound questions, and while we may not have all the answers, it is important to explore them through the lens of Scripture.

A lot of people dismiss the importance of understanding the afterlife. However, one key thing to keep in mind is that Yeshua came and sacrificed His life, shedding His blood not only for our salvation and redemption but also to provide us with the understanding of what lies beyond this world. The Book of Revelation reveals to us the clearest depiction of the heavens and the destinations of our souls, and it’s only through the blood of the Lamb that this truth is made available to us. Without His sacrifice, we wouldn’t be able to grasp the mysteries of the afterlife. Revelation 5:9 states, “And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.’” Through Yeshua’s sacrifice, the mysteries of the future are revealed to us.

To dismiss the deep conversation God has with mankind through the Book of Revelation is like rejecting a precious gift that He is offering us. It's a gift that we receive through the blood sacrifice of Yeshua, and it’s worth embracing. Revelation 1:1 affirms, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” This revelation, a gift from God, was given to us through Yeshua, and it’s worth our attention. This blog is not about providing definitive answers on the exact fate of your soul or a complete picture of the Kingdom of God in its fullness, but about helping you define these concepts for yourself through Scripture.

The Bible presents well over two dozen key elements related to the afterlife that you need to define in order to establish a sound framework of what life after death might look like. These include concepts like the resurrection, the judgment, the nature of the New Earth, and the final destinations of the righteous and the wicked. While we won’t define these topics for you, it’s crucial that you take the time to understand them through Scripture as you develop your own personal understanding of the afterlife.

Here are some of the subjects that need to be defined as you build your framework:

The Altar – Revelation 6:9-11
The New Earth and New Heaven – Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 65:17-25
The Nations – Revelation 21:24-27, Isaiah 2:2-4
New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:2-27, Hebrews 12:22-23
The Sea – Revelation 21:1, Revelation 20:13
Lake of Fire – Revelation 20:10, Revelation 21:8
Hades – Revelation 20:13-14, Luke 16:23-26
Hell – Matthew 5:22, Mark 9:43-48
Abyss – Revelation 9:1-2, Revelation 20:3
Millennial Reign – Revelation 20:4-6, Isaiah 11:6-9
Resurrection of the Dead – Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:12-13
Judgment Seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, Revelation 20:11-15
The Book of Life – Revelation 20:12, Revelation 21:27, Philippians 4:3
The Great White Throne Judgment – Revelation 20:11-15
Eternal Life – John 3:16, John 17:3, 1 John 5:11-13
The Second Death – Revelation 20:14-15, Revelation 21:8
Paradise – Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:4
The Bride of Christ – Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2, Ephesians 5:25-32
White Garments - Revelation 3:5, Revelation 7:9-14
Angels and Spirits – Hebrews 12:22-23, Matthew 22:30, Luke 20:36
144,000 - Revelation 7:4-8, Revelation 14:1-5, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:4, Revelation 7:9-10
The Harvest – Matthew 13:39-43, Revelation 14:14-16
The River of Life – Revelation 22:1-2, Ezekiel 47:1-12
Crowns and Rewards – 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 22:12
Lamb's Book of Life – Revelation 13:8, Revelation 21:27, Revelation 20:12

While these subjects are important for shaping a comprehensive understanding of the afterlife, it’s essential to remember that defining these concepts is a complex and deeply personal process. The Bible presents many of these ideas in symbolic and sometimes mysterious ways. As you work through them, you may never reach a complete or universally accepted understanding. And that’s okay.

The most critical thing to remember is that while understanding the afterlife is valuable, the key to eternal life is not in having all the answers, but in having a heart fully aligned with the Word of God. What truly matters is your relationship with the Father, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit. It’s your obedience to His commands, your love for Him, and your walking in His grace, truth, and spirit.

It doesn’t matter how much you understand about the afterlife if your heart is not aligned with God’s will. The essence of the faith is walking in love, obeying His Word, and living out the Gospel message. A well-defined afterlife framework can enrich your faith, but it is your walk with God that is of ultimate importance.

So, while you explore and define these subjects, always keep in mind that the most essential thing is to be in full alignment with God’s Word. Cultivate a heart that loves God, seeks obedience, and lives in His truth. This is the foundation for everything else.

In conclusion, this blog is not about providing all the answers but about asking the right questions and developing a sound biblical framework for the afterlife. As you consider these subjects, remember that your journey of faith is not just about knowing what happens after this life—it’s about how you live right now, in relationship with God. For a more detailed look at my perspective on the afterlife, I encourage you to read A Personal Perspective on the Afterlife: Understanding the Three Zones, where I explore this concept further.

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Does the Law Still Matter?

🌟 Does the Law Still Matter?

Debunking the Most Common Arguments Against Torah

Many modern believers assume the Law of Moses no longer applies—that it was abolished at the cross, replaced by grace, or meant only for ancient Israel. But Scripture tells a very different story. Below are 14 of the most common claims used to dismiss Torah, each followed by a biblically grounded rebuttal 📜 and full supporting Scripture 📖.

1. 🚫 "The Law came from Moses—not Jesus."

✅ Truth: Many assume Moses authored a temporary law, and Yeshua came to replace it. But Scripture teaches that Yeshua is the eternal Word who spoke through Moses. The Torah is not Moses' invention—it is the voice of Yeshua Himself.

John 1:1–3
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... Through Him all things were made."

1 Corinthians 10:4
"...for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."

2. ❌ "Moses is no longer relevant."

✅ Truth: Some claim that Moses is obsolete under the New Covenant. Yet he is the only figure shown with ongoing heavenly responsibilities—appearing at the Transfiguration and honored in Revelation!

Matthew 17:3
"Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus."

Revelation 15:3
"And they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb..."

3. ❌ "Jesus fulfilled the Law, so it’s over."

✅ Truth: "Fulfill" doesn’t mean abolish—it means to bring to completion. Yeshua didn’t erase the Law; He fulfilled its purpose and showed us how to live it. Some point to Romans 10:4 to say Christ ended the Law, but the word for "end" is telos, which also means goal or purpose. Yeshua is the goal the Torah was always pointing to—not the one who shuts it down.

Matthew 5:17
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

John 19:30
"When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.'"

Romans 10:4
"Christ is the culmination [telos] of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."

4. ❌ "The Old Covenant was replaced by the New."

✅ Truth: Yeshua quoted Torah constantly—and even raised its standards. The New Covenant doesn’t replace the Torah; it writes it on our hearts.🫀

Jeremiah 31:33
"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts."

Matthew 5:21–22
"You have heard... 'You shall not murder'... But I tell you that anyone who is angry... will be subject to judgment."

5. ❌ "Jesus’ teachings were only for His time."

✅ Truth: Yeshua speaks from eternity! 🕰️ His Word is timeless and never changes.

Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Psalm 119:89
"Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."

6. ❌ "The Law is a burden."

✅ Truth: Torah isn’t a burden—it’s a blueprint for life 🧭, given so that you may live well.

Deuteronomy 30:19
"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

1 John 5:3
"This is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome."

7. ❌ "The Law was mandatory in the past, but not now."

✅ Truth: The first principle of Torah is free will. God invites, not forces. The Law has always been about choice—never compulsion. From the beginning, people were invited to enter the covenant of Israel voluntarily. No one was ever forced to become part of God's family, and that remains true today. Obedience is the natural response of those who choose to dwell with Him and walk in His ways. 🏡

Deuteronomy 30:15–16
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction... For I command you today to love the Lord your God... then you will live and increase."

Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city."

Deuteronomy 29:10–13
"All of you are standing today in the presence of the Lord your God... You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God... to confirm you this day as His people."

8. ❌ "We’re saved by grace, so we don’t need the Law."

✅ Truth: Grace was never meant to cancel obedience. It empowers it. 💪

Ephesians 2:8–10
"For it is by grace you have been saved... created in Christ Jesus to do good works."

James 2:18
"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."

9. ❌ "The Law was only for the Jews."

✅ Truth: All believers—including willing Jews—are grafted into Yeshua. Through this blood covenant, we become one people, and by faith, we are all the parts of the family of Israel. 🌿 One tree, one people, one Torah. Some point to Acts 15 to claim Gentiles only need to follow a few basic commands. But the apostles were simply giving new believers a starting point—not a full rulebook. Acts 15:21 explains that Moses (i.e., the Torah) would continue to be taught every Sabbath in the synagogues.

Romans 11:17
"You... have been grafted in... and share in the nourishing sap from the olive root."

Ephesians 2:12–13,19
"You are no longer foreigners... but fellow citizens with God’s people."

Acts 15:21
"For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."

10. ❌ "Only the moral laws still apply."

✅ Truth: The Bible makes no such distinction. All of Torah flows together like a single stream. 🌊

Numbers 15:15–16
"The same laws and regulations will apply both to you and to the foreigner."

Leviticus 11:44
"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."

11. ❌ "The Law was nailed to the cross."

✅ Truth: What was nailed to the cross was our debt, not God’s Law. Scripture never says the Law was done away with—what changed was our position toward the Law. Some use Colossians 2:14 or Romans 6:14 to argue that we’re no longer obligated to obey Torah, but a closer look at these passages shows Paul is talking about freedom from condemnation, not freedom from obedience.

In Galatians, Paul explains that the Law served as a guardian—pointing us to Messiah. Once we meet Him, the Law is written on our hearts. We’re no longer under it as a tutor, but we’re still expected to walk in it as mature sons.

Think of it like a game: before Messiah, we were players under the rulings of the officials (the Law). Now, in Messiah, we’ve been promoted to the role of officiants—kings and priests who apply and uphold the law in righteousness. Like filing taxes with the IRS, no one hovers over you to make sure you follow the code. It’s an honor system built on maturity and integrity. In the Kingdom, all of us are now called to judge ourselves according to God’s instructions as faithful covenant partners.

Colossians 2:14
"He canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness... nailing it to the cross."

Romans 6:14
"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

Romans 6:16
"You are slaves... to obedience, which leads to righteousness."

Galatians 3:24–25
"So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
"He canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness... nailing it to the cross."

Romans 6:14
"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

Romans 6:16
"You are slaves... to obedience, which leads to righteousness."

Galatians 3:24–25
"So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

12. ❌ "We don’t need the Law because we have the Spirit."

✅ Truth: The Spirit writes the Law on our hearts 🖊️, not erases it.

Jeremiah 31:33
"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts."

Hebrews 10:16
"I will put my laws in their hearts and write them on their minds."

13. ❌ "Jesus declared all foods clean."

✅ Truth: Yeshua was correcting traditions, not overturning God’s instructions about food. 🍽️

Mark 7:8–9
"You have let go of the commands of God... to observe your own traditions."

Isaiah 66:17
"Those... eating pork and rats and other unclean things—they will meet their end."

14. ❌ "Following the Law is legalism."

✅ Truth: Legalism is trying to earn salvation. Torah is how we walk out love. ❤️

John 14:15
"If you love Me, keep My commandments."

Romans 3:31
"Do we nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

🏁 Final Word: The Law Still Matters

Yeshua didn’t come to start a new religion—He came to fulfill the covenant and show us how to walk in it fully. If we call Him King, we must live by the culture of His Kingdom.

That Kingdom, much like Ruth boldly understood, is not just about a God—it is about a God, a people, and a place. You cannot separate the God of Israel from the family of Israel or from the land of Israel (not to be confused with the Earthly land of Israel, we are talking about the eternal promised land New Jerusalem). In the book of Revelation, we see the final picture: the Most High dwells with His beloved Son and the Bride in the glorious, eternal city of New Jerusalem. This is a family house, prepared for the family of Israel.

And how do we know it belongs to them? Because the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the twelve gates of the city. You cannot be part of the Bride and dissociate yourself from Israel. No new entity has replaced the family of Israel. It has always been—and will always be—one family, joined not by DNA or ancestry, but by the blood covenant of Yeshua.

Psalm 119:142
"Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true."

Revelation 21:12
"It had a great, high wall with twelve gates... On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel."

Ruth 1:16
"Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Biblical Womanhood: A Scripture-Focused Exploration of God’s Design

In this post, Kayla and I aim to present an honest, scripture-focused exploration of the role and character of women as addressed in 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Titus, and 1 Peter. Our focus is not on the role of a wife within marriage, but rather on the broader conduct and responsibilities of women in general, as outlined in these New Testament writings.

We’ve structured this post to offer two levels of scriptural insight, striving to minimize our own bias and allow the text to speak for itself:

Full Scripture References – A listing of all relevant passages so you can read the direct source material in its full context.
Key Excerpts and Summary Principles – Direct quotations from those passages, followed by a condensed outline of what we believe are the core instructions or "laws" expressed in the text.

Only after presenting these do we offer our interpretation and understanding—not as doctrine, but as a personal reflection. We encourage you to weigh these scriptures carefully in the context of the whole Bible, in community with spiritually mature believers, and with prayerful discernment. Ultimately, the authority lies in God’s Word, and our hope is that this study serves as a helpful starting point for deeper understanding.

📖 Full Scripture References

The following passages, to the best of our understanding, are the only New Testament scriptures that directly address the general character, demeanor, and conduct of women—specifically outside the context of marriage. Our focus here is not on the role of a wife, but on the broader expectations placed on women in public, spiritual, and communal settings.

We encourage you to read each passage in full to understand the context, tone, and intent of the original authors before considering any summaries or interpretations.

1 Corinthians 11:2–16 – Paul's instruction regarding head coverings, honor, authority, and the natural distinction between men and women in worship.
1 Corinthians 14:33–35 – A directive concerning silence and order for women during public gatherings of the church.
1 Timothy 2:9–15 – Paul’s instruction on modesty, teaching authority, and the connection between women and the creation narrative.
Titus 2:3–5 – Paul’s guidance to older women on how to conduct themselves and instruct younger women in matters of character and discipline.
1 Peter 3:1–7 – Peter’s exhortation regarding a woman’s spirit, conduct, and beauty, with application both within and beyond marriage.

1 Corinthians 11:2–16; 1 Corinthians 14:33–35; 1 Timothy 2:9–15; Titus 2:3–5; 1 Peter 3:1–7

📜 Key Excerpts

In short, according to the Apostle Paul in his letters to the Corinthians, Timothy, and Titus—and Peter in his first epistle—women are instructed to adopt a distinct posture in both appearance and conduct. Based on these passages:

They are to dress in modest clothing, avoiding outward displays of wealth or vanity.
They are not to braid their hair, and are instead associated with longer hairstyles, which Paul says serve as a natural covering. When participating in prayer or prophecy, they are to cover their heads as a sign of honor and order.
Their demeanor should be gentle, quiet, and submissive, which Peter describes as “precious in God’s sight.”
They are not given authority over men, particularly in matters of teaching or leadership within the assembly.
They are not to teach men, but are called instead to learn quietly and serve in roles consistent with their God-given design.

These themes appear consistently across all four letters and serve as the foundation for the broader summaries and reflections that follow. Below are direct quotations and condensed phrases taken straight from scripture, highlighting the core statements and recurring themes from each passage. This section is designed to let the words of the biblical authors speak for themselves, without commentary or added interpretation.

1 Corinthians 11:2–16

Focus: Honor, head coverings, and hair as symbols of glory and order in worship

"Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head."
"For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man."
"If a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him."
"Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven."
"For if a woman will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short."
"But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head."
"If a woman has long hair, it is her glory. For her hair is given to her for a covering."

1 Corinthians 14:33–35

Focus: Silence and submission in church gatherings

"The women should keep silent in the churches."
"For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission."
"It is shameful for a woman to speak in church."

1 Timothy 2:9–15

Focus: Modesty, authority, and feminine purpose

"Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control."
"Not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire."
"Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness."
"I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man."
"She is to remain quiet."
"Women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."

Titus 2:3–5

Focus: Teaching roles and moral training for women

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine."
"They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women":
1. "To love their husbands and children,"
2. "To be self-controlled,"
3. "Pure,"
4. "Working at home,"
5. "Kind,"
6. "Submissive to their own husbands."

1 Peter 3:1–7

Focus: Inner beauty, reverence, and gentle conduct

"Be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives."
"When they see your respectful and pure conduct."
"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear."
"Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

🔎 Our Interpretation and Understanding

We believe that the instructions found in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, 1 Corinthians 14:33–35, 1 Timothy 2:9–15, Titus 2:3–5, and 1 Peter 3:1–7 are true, God-breathed laws. These verses do not require reinterpretation or dismissal—they stand as part of God’s inspired Word. However, they must be understood in the full context of Scripture, not in isolation. The Bible is not fragmented; it is unified in Spirit and Truth.

❗ Bold Disclaimer: What is most important is that every believer read these scriptures for themselves—not just the verses listed here, but the entire narrative of God’s Word—and come to their own Spirit-led interpretation through prayer, study, and discussion with spiritually mature community.

What follows is simply our understanding—what the Holy Spirit is showing us right now. We do not offer it as dogma or doctrine, but as a resource, a reflection, and a humble contribution to the ongoing work of discernment within the Body of Messiah.

Women in Scripture: Living Definitions of God's Design

Women such as Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4–5), Abigail (1 Samuel 25), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14–20), and Esther (Esther 4:14–16) were not silent figures—they were courageous, authoritative, and used by God in public, national, and prophetic roles. These were not exceptions to the rule; they were examples of obedience in Spirit and Truth.

The New Testament continues this pattern. Anna (Luke 2:36–38) was a prophetess; Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim the risen Christ (John 20:16–18); the Samaritan woman (John 4) brought an entire village to believe; and Philip’s daughters (Acts 21:9) prophesied. Women like Priscilla, Phoebe, Lydia, Tabitha, Euodia, and Syntyche are all honored in Scripture as spiritual leaders, laborers in the gospel, and key figures in the early church.

Spirit and Truth: A Unified View of Men and Women in Leadership

Our conviction, shaped by the whole of Scripture and clarified in our Spirit and Truth framework, is as follows:

Men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)—equal in value, dignity, and spiritual gifting.
As Peter affirmed on Pentecost, God promised, “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17).
As Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Messiah” (Galatians 3:28).

We affirm that spiritual gifting and calling are not assigned based on gender, but that function within the body of Messiah must be expressed with order and responsibility.

Headship Is Not Dominance—It Is Responsibility

Paul’s writings affirm a structure rooted not in superiority, but in sacrificial responsibility. “The head of every man is Messiah, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Messiah is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). Headship is not about control—it is about accountability, just as Yeshua submitted to the Father’s will for the sake of salvation.

Likewise, women are entrusted with strength, discernment, and spiritual authority—not to be silenced, but to be expressed in alignment with God’s order. As Proverbs 31 declares, “Strength and dignity are her clothing” and “She considers a field and buys it.” She is not passive—she is powerful and productive, operating within the boundaries of wisdom and reverence.

Mutual Dependence and Co-Laboring

Paul affirms:

“In the Lord, woman is not independent of man nor man of woman. For as woman was made from man, so now man is born of woman. And all things are from God.” (1 Corinthians 11:11–12)

This is not hierarchy—it is mutual dependence. In every movement of God, we see men and women co-laboring—Deborah and Barak, Priscilla and Aquila, Paul and his female coworkers. When women lead, they do so alongside the covering of community, not in rebellion, but in mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21).

A Kingdom House with Assigned Responsibility

The Kingdom functions like a household. Everyone enjoys the blessings of the house, but someone must sign for its stewardship. Men bear final accountability—not because they are greater, but because order requires responsibility. Women, in turn, are not voiceless tenants, but co-owners—builders, prophets, leaders, and nurturers of God’s people.

✅ In Summary

Men and women are equal in value and gifting (Genesis 1:27; Acts 2:17; Galatians 3:28).
Men are responsible for spiritual covering and headship (Ephesians 5:23).
Women are empowered to lead, prophesy, teach, evangelize, and nurture the body (Proverbs 31; Acts 18:26; Romans 16).
Both are designed to co-labor, in humility, unity, and Spirit-led purpose (1 Corinthians 11:11–12; Ephesians 5:21).
True biblical leadership is not domination or silence—it is mutual honor, order, and self-giving love.
Men and women are called to dress modestly, avoiding clothing or appearance that draws sexual attention or energy outside the sacred context of marriage. Both are warned not to elevate outward appearance to the point of idolatry, but to prioritize inner character and the fruit of the Spirit as the truest expression of beauty and holiness.

🔚 Final Conclusion

We believe that any movement that excludes the voices and leadership of women is incomplete—and likewise, any movement that ignores God's divine order for responsibility and covering is spiritually unstable. The strength of the Kingdom is found when sons and daughters prophesy, when men lead with sacrificial love, and when women rise with honor—all under the leadership of King Yeshua, the Head of us all.

At the end of the day, our litmus test of loving obedience is not based on church position, appearance, or gender, but on the condition of the heart and our faithful walk in Spirit and Truth. According to our understanding, those who truly belong to the Bride of Messiah—those who will dwell eternally in the City of New Jerusalem—will be those who do not willfully walk in the following eight sins (Revelation 21:8):

Fearful – Cowardice in the face of righteousness
Unbelieving – Rejection of faith
Abominable – Embracing moral corruption or vileness
Murderers – Those who take life unjustly
Whoremongers – Sexual immorality outside of covenant
Sorcerers – Occult practices and spiritual manipulation
Idolaters – Worshiping anything above or in place of God
Liars – Those who knowingly deceive or distort truth

As long as you are pursuing the Lord with sincerity, honoring His Word from a place of Spirit and Truth, and not living in rebellion to these major sins, you are good to go—walking the narrow path with confidence, hope, and joyful expectancy of the world to come.

Let us press forward—men and women together—building the Kingdom with humility, obedience, and mutual honor, so that we may be found ready on that great day.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Debunking Common Myths About Zion, Israel, and Yeshua’s Reign

The purpose of this write-up is to thoughtfully and biblically challenge several long-standing assumptions regarding Zion, Israel, and the return of Yeshua. Through careful examination of Scripture, we seek to clarify what the Bible truly says—and does not say—about these key topics.

📜 Myth #1: Every reference to Zion, Israel, or Jerusalem refers to modern-day Jerusalem or earthly Israel.

This is simply not true. While some passages clearly reference the historical city or the Promised Land, the vast majority of prophetic scriptures that mention “Zion,” “Jerusalem,” or “Israel” are not about earthly geography but rather about New Jerusalem—a heavenly city and eternal kingdom that will descend from heaven (Revelation 21:2–3).

Examples include:

Isaiah 2, Micah 4, Joel 2–3, Jeremiah 3:14–18, and Psalm 132:13–14 — These describe a restored Zion or Jerusalem where God dwells “forever,” language that cannot apply to a city on the current Earth, which will pass away (Revelation 21:1).
Isaiah 31:5-6: refers specifically to Jerusalem during Isaiah’s time, describing God's protection over the city in response to the threats of that era—not a prophecy about the eternal city.
Psalm 48:1–3 and Psalm 2:6–9 — These may hold double meanings, reflecting both historical Jerusalem and future New Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 36 — Often claimed as a modern prophetic promise, this chapter was originally addressed to Israelites in exile and dispersion during the Babylonian captivity. Its context is anchored to the 70-year exile and the generation of Zerubbabel who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Second Temple (Ezra 1–3). There is no indication in the text that these promises extend beyond that historical window into modern political times, especially not beyond the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. The restoration language must be viewed in light of that era’s covenant renewal, not future geopolitical ambitions.
Ezekiel 43:7 — Speaks of God's throne in a place He will inhabit “forever,” aligning with New Jerusalem, not temporary earthly land.
Deuteronomy 30:3–5 — Often cited to support a return to modern Israel, this passage initially referred to the return from exile, but prophetically points to the greater gathering through Messiah and covenant. It foreshadows the global invitation into God's eternal inheritance (Hebrews 11:13–16; Romans 4:13).

👑 Myth #2: Yeshua will reign physically from the current land of Israel.

This is a theological assumption not directly supported by Scripture. There is no verse that plainly says Yeshua will physically reign from modern-day Jerusalem or walk on this Earth again. While we fully affirm that Yeshua will return and that He will rule the nations, we believe He will do so from the clouds, with heavenly authority and power—not from a throne on the physical Earth.

Scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Acts 1:9–11, Matthew 24:30–31, Daniel 7:13–14, and Revelation 1:7 describe Him returning “with the clouds,” and believers being caught up to meet Him. The emphasis is not on Him touching Earth but on ruling above it—and through His disciples now, tomorrow, and throughout the Millennial reign (Revelation 20:6).

It’s also important to address a common misunderstanding about Armageddon. Some have assumed that this location—mentioned in Revelation 16—is where Yeshua will establish His throne or initiate His earthly rule. However, Scripture makes it clear that Armageddon is not a place of divine authority but a gathering ground for demonic spirits and the rebellious kings of the earth. Revelation 16:13–16 describes it as the staging area for the final conflict between the forces of darkness and the will of God. Yeshua does not reign from Armageddon—He confronts and defeats evil there. His rule is marked by holiness, justice, and glory, and it is not connected to any earthly battlefield, but rather proceeds from a heavenly position of power and dominion.

☁️ Reigning from the Clouds – Not the Ground

We affirm Yeshua’s return—but also believe He will not set foot on Earth again, either in this age or the next. He will return in the clouds, and rule from above (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). His rule will extend to Earth, but He will govern through His saints and heavenly authority.

Scripture	Key Point
1 Thess. 4:16–17	Saints meet Yeshua in the air
Acts 1:9–11	Yeshua returns in the same way He ascended — in clouds
Matthew 24:30–31	He returns in the clouds to gather His elect
Revelation 1:7	All will see Him coming in clouds
Daniel 7:13–14	Son of Man comes with clouds to receive dominion
1 Corinthians 15:51–52	Believers are transformed at His coming

🌍 Myth #3: “Israel” refers exclusively to the Jewish people.

This is a common but incomplete view. While the Jewish people today are widely associated with the tribe of Judah, the term “Jew” (Yehudi) actually came to represent a broader group of Israelites—a mixture of multiple tribes who were part of the Babylonian exile and eventual return to Jerusalem. It is a myth that Jews are solely descended from the tribe of Judah. In reality, many individuals from the southern kingdom of Judah included remnants from Levi, Benjamin, Simeon, and likely even refugees from the northern tribes, who had fled south before the Assyrian conquest (see 2 Chronicles 11:16–17; 2 Chronicles 15:9).

Over time, the term 'Jew' became a general label for all those who preserved covenant identity and worship centered on the Law given through Moses—regardless of tribal ancestry.

Furthermore, the northern kingdom (10 tribes) was dispersed by Assyria (2 Kings 17:6) and scattered throughout the nations all over the Earth. These people merged with other nation populations, and over centuries and millennia, the tribal lines blurred. As a result, no one today can definitively deny Israelite tribal or genetic identity—because anyone could potentially carry that heritage. This aligns with God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the sky.

From God’s perspective, Israel was always defined by covenant, not by race or DNA. The Torah itself included the “mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38) that came out of Egypt as part of Israel. Isaiah 56:3–7 speaks of foreigners who join themselves to the Lord and are fully accepted. Paul affirms this in Romans 2:28–29: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly... but a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart.”

The covenant was first ratified by the blood of animals (Exodus 24:8), but after Yeshua, it is sealed once for all by His blood (Hebrews 9:11–14). Therefore, those who walk in faith and obedience to Yeshua are considered part of Israel by covenant, not by ancestry (Galatians 3:26–29; Romans 11:17–24).

NOTE: This is not replacement theology. Israel is still the chosen family of God. Revelation 21:12 confirms that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates of the everlasting city. That city is the family home of Israel, and all who are grafted in through Yeshua—including Jews and all nations—are invited to become part of that household. It is not about bloodlines but about belonging through covenant.

📖 Scripture References:

2 Kings 17:6 – Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom
2 Chronicles 11:16–17; 15:9 – Northern tribes migrated to Judah
Exodus 12:38 – Mixed multitude in the Exodus
Isaiah 56:3–7 – Foreigners joined to the Lord
Romans 2:28–29 – Circumcision of the heart
Galatians 3:26–29 – All who belong to Messiah are Abraham’s seed
Romans 11:17–24 – Grafted into the olive tree
Revelation 21:12 – Names of the tribes on the gates of the eternal city
Hebrews 9:11–14 – Blood of Yeshua as the final covenant seal
Matthew 1; Luke 3 – Genealogy of Yeshua

🔥 Myth #4: “Jewish people are Israelites, and everyone else is either Gentile or from the nations.”

This is a simplification that obscures the deeper covenantal identity revealed in Scripture. While Jewish people today are part of Israel, they do not solely define Israel. The Bible never limits Israel to ethnic Jews, nor does it define everyone else as permanently “Gentile.” In truth, Israel has always been the covenant family of God on Earth—a people defined by their relationship to Him, not by bloodline or label.

From the very beginning, “Israel” referred to those in covenant with the God of Israel. Abraham himself was called out from among the nations (Genesis 12:1–3), and through his faith, he became the father of many nations (Romans 4:16–18). Even during the Exodus, a mixed multitude came out of Egypt with Israel and was counted among God’s people (Exodus 12:38, 48–49).

Paul affirms this in Romans 9:6–8, writing: “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel... it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise.” Likewise, Ephesians 2:12–13 reminds us that those once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel" have now been brought near by the blood of Messiah. But this does not create a third category. You are either in covenant as Israel, outside the covenant as the nations, or in rebellion altogether.

Some people try to carve out a theological middle ground called “the Commonwealth of Israel,” imagining a sort of hybrid identity between Israel and the Gentiles. But Scripture never presents a third category. There are only three spiritual conditions described in the Bible:

Israel – those in covenant with God through faith and obedience.
The Nations (Goyim) – those outside the covenant but not inherently excluded.
The Rebellious / Children of the Devil – those who knowingly reject God’s rule and belong to the domain of darkness (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2–3).

When Scripture speaks of “Israel,” it is speaking about anyone—regardless of ethnicity—who is in covenant with the God of Israel. As Paul declares in Galatians 3:28–29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

📚 Scripture in Context: Clarifying the Foundation

Many of the myths we’ve addressed—whether about Zion, Yeshua’s reign, Israel’s identity, or covenant boundaries—are often built on isolated readings of Scripture. Below is a breakdown of commonly referenced passages that are used to support these traditional interpretations. However, when viewed in context—and through the lens of covenant, Messiah, and eternity—these same scriptures tell a much different story.

What follows is a categorized timeline of key prophetic texts. I've included my perspective alongside each, to help distinguish between what points to earthly events, what has already passed, and what clearly speaks of God’s eternal Kingdom, which is not bound to this present world.

🅰️ Before the Exile

Joel 2–3, Isaiah 2, Isaiah 24:23, Micah 4, Jeremiah 3:14–18, Jeremiah 30:1–11 – Prophecies of New Jerusalem
Jeremiah 30:12–24 – Earthly Jerusalem during pre-Yeshua return
Psalm 2, Psalm 48, Psalm 132 – Future rule from Zion/New Jerusalem

🅱️ During the Exile

Ezekiel 43:7 – God's throne "forever" = New Jerusalem

🅾️ Returned or After the Exile

Zechariah 8 – Earthly Israel, but expires at Yeshua
Zechariah 10 – Refers to Israel of that time
Zechariah 14 – Mixed: Apollyon (vv. 1–4), Return (vv. 5,13–15), New Jerusalem (vv. 6–12, 16–21)
Luke 1:32–33 – Yeshua’s throne = New Jerusalem
Matthew 5:33–35 – Refers to eternal heavenly pattern
Acts 1:1–11 – Yeshua avoids affirming a future earthly reign
Revelation 2:26–27; 3:12; 16–17; 21:2–3 – Kingdom is in New Jerusalem, not modern Israel

🧠 Closing Thoughts

It’s time we reevaluate some of the assumptions we’ve inherited—assumptions about geography, genetics, and the nature of God's Kingdom. The Scriptures reveal a far deeper truth: God’s people are defined not by human lineage, but by the blood covenant of Yeshua—and His Kingdom is established by heavenly authority, not by national borders.

The idea that Yeshua must reign from modern-day Israel, or that “Israel” refers exclusively to the Jewish people, or that there are rigid separations between Jews and Gentiles—these are traditions shaped more by history and politics than by careful reading of the text. Scripture consistently speaks of Yeshua returning in glory—not to dwell on Earth, but to reign from the clouds—and of God's people being those who are in covenant with Him, regardless of ethnic origin.

We see in passages like Galatians 3:29, Romans 9:6, and Ephesians 2:12–13 that covenant status is what determines true Israelite identity. And we are reminded in Revelation 21:12 that the names of the twelve tribes are etched into the gates of the eternal city—signifying that Israel is not just preserved, but glorified in God's eternal plan. That city is the home of God's family, and everyone who walks in covenant with Yeshua is invited in—not as guests, but as heirs.

There is no third category. You are either in covenant with God as Israel, outside as the nations, or opposed to God altogether. The invitation remains open: Come into covenant through the blood of Yeshua, and take your place among His people.

Let the Scriptures—not tradition—define who we are and where we’re going. Let covenant, not lineage, determine who belongs to the family of God.

- Written by Martin and Kayla Briggs of Birmingham, AL