You’ve Got To Love The Lord Like That…

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (Satan and the Papal Beast), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev 13:8

 

In the beginning there was but one Father. We call Him אב Av, Abba.

But now there is another one – a counterfeit. (Deut 6:4, John 8:42-44, EW 56.1)

Abba Father had an awe-inspiring vision. He wanted to surround Himself with a colorful world, full of happy beings able to live and appreciate His love and care and interact with Him.

However, in His foresight, He recognized a significant issue that could potentially hinder this beautiful plan! The harmony between His creatures would be marred by someone highest in favor of Him, the very first and finest of all creations. (Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14)

And so, before the CREATION of anything He had to develop a plan for RE-CREATION. We call it The Plan of Salvation.

This is when His Son was begotten. Bible calls Him Beloved (Lk 9:35), the Delight of His Father (Pr 8:30), the only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18). 1SP 17.2

Our Father shared His vision with His Son. After describing the grandiose ideas from a gentle butterfly to the vast Galaxies He paused and there was a long silence. His Son carefully followed His train of thoughts and realized that His Father was waiting for Him to finish them and perceive why He couldn’t continue.

His Beloved scanned the described picture and its dynamics: Abba, I love Your Beautiful Worlds, with so much variety, harmony and delight. Especially I appreciate the freedom of all these intelligent beings, how they will praise and adore You, not because they have to but because they love You and admire Your creativity. I want to be part of each DNA in it.

Father nodded, Yes, My Son, You will be. You are My living Word that holds everything together. (Col 1:17, Heb 1:3) Everything will stand and fall on You.

Son: …and fall on Me? Father replied, Think it through… And there was another long silence.

Finally, Father interrupted this stillness by helping His Son: They all can see Me as their Creator, their final Authority. But at one point they will lose awareness of WHO YOU ARE! (Mt 16:13-17) You will be so close to them that they will imperceptibly start to think that You are JUST like one of them. For the angels You will be the Archangel, and for earthlings You will appear as Ben Adam.

Son asked: Do you mean Lucifer would do that?

Yes, Father replied with a broken heart. He will assume that if You are like one of them, why he couldn’t be like one of Us, that is like You and I. Lucifer will covet to be worshiped like You and I. He will confuse nearly half of the angels we want to create. (1SP 22.2) You will become the heart of the contention, the heart of the Great Controversy.

Son: Me?

Father: Yes.

I can’t proceed with Our PLAN OF CREATION unless we resolve the PLAN OF RE-CREATION, and this can’t be done without Your consent. I represent the LAW which secures harmony and security for all. But once the law is broken, all the peace, joy and goodness are gone, and misery, decay and death will take their place.

Son interrupted, Let Me finish Your thought: Only hope for restoration of the beautiful creation is to offer them GRACE, but even that cannot be forced upon them. Oh, My Father! How many will perish while the solution to their problem is within their reach!

Father: I know, I know. Grace is free for them, I’m more than willing to extend it to them, but it will cost Us everything! His Voice trembled. And the Father was silent again. He gazed at the innocent face of His dearly Beloved Son when it finally dawned on Him.

Father, I have the solution! We might not be able to save the fallen angels, but we might save the rest of them (ST, Dec 30, 1889, par. 4) and at least a few of the earthlings. (Maranatha 251.5) Didn’t You say, Let us create Adam in Our image? Didn’t You say that I will be the center of the contention?

Adam will represent You and Eve will represent Me. This should help all the inhabitants of unfallen worlds to understand WHO YOU ARE AND WHO AM I, what do You think?

Yes, yes, that’s exactly why We wanted to create this special order of beings (3SG 33.2), that by looking at them everyone can take a correct picture of the two of Us.

• Eve comes from Adam, just like You came out of Me. (Gen 2:22-23, John 8:42)
• Eve is equal to Adam, just like I made You equal to Me. (John 5:18, 8T 268.3)
• And Eve is submissive to Adam just like You are submissive to Me and I am Your Head. (Lk 22:42, John 5:30, 1 Cor 11:3, 1 Cor 15:28)

Son: But You also said that You foresaw that Adam and Eve will be deceived too.

Father: Sadly, yes! That’s why I’m not starting any creation as yet.

Son: I know why. You can’t change Your LAW and You can’t give free GRACE just to overlook its trespass. Then the LAW would lose any value. My Father, but if I will pay by My death for the penalty of them breaking Your LAW, they might see Your goodness (Romans 2:4) and be brought to change their mind and want to come back home to You. That’s the only way to give them a second chance.

Father: My Son, but I cannot ask this from You! Just to think about that breaks My heart!

Father, Son declared solemnly, I am willing to risk My eternal existence just to make Your vision true and secure eternal safety for those who love and obey You! (DA 49.1, DA 131.2, GCB Dec 1, 1895, par. 23) Let Us intertwine the Plan of RE-CREATION into the PLAN OF CREATION. In the weekly, monthly, yearly even Jubilee cycles. Let the creatures study the mysteries of the cross in our heavenly Sanctuary services throughout eternity so that will prevent them to let sin rise second time. (Isaiah 66:23, Zech 14:16, RH June 3, 1890, par. 6, ST May 17, 1905, par. 5-6)

Even He shall build the Temple of the LORD; and He shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a Priest upon His throne: and THE COUNSEL OF PEACE SHALL BE BETWEEN THEM BOTH. (Zech 6:13, John 3:16, Rev 13:8, 8T 269.5-6)

Father and Son clasped Their hands: Let Us write all this in the Book and seal it up! (Rev 3:5)

…

Heaven, from whatever standpoint it may be viewed, presents THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION. This plan is the one all-absorbing theme of the universe of God; and heaven reflects it in all its works. Only the sinful heart of man, is unmindful of the work of God in overcoming the effects of the fall. The things presented to John show that the activity of the heavenly beings is spent in the service of man. “He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” The light of the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ, is a light of dazzling whiteness, its rays are unbroken. SSP 93.1-2 (The Story of the Seer of Patmos by Stephen N. Haskell, 1905)

The rainbow in the clouds is but a symbol of the rainbow which has encircled the throne from eternity. Back in the ages, which finite mind cannot fathom, the Father and Son were alone in the universe. Christ was the first begotten of the Father, and to Him Jehovah made known the divine plan of Creation. The plan of the creation of worlds was unfolded, together with the order of beings which should people them. Angels, as representatives of one order, would be ministers of the God of the universe. The creation of our own little world, was included in the deep-laid plans. The fall of Lucifer was foreseen; likewise the possibility of the introduction of sin, which would mar the perfection of the divine handiwork. It was then, in those early councils, that CHRIST’S HEART OF LOVE WAS TOUCHED; and the only begotten Son pledged His life to redeem man, should he yield and fall. FATHER AND SON, SURROUNDED BY IMPENETRABLE GLORY, CLASPED HANDS. It was in appreciation of this offer, that upon Christ was bestowed creative power, and THE EVERLASTING COVENANT WAS MADE; and henceforth Father and Son, with one mind, worked together to complete the work of creation. SACRIFICE OF SELF FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS WAS THE FOUNDATION OF IT ALL. As angels came into being at the command of Jehovah, heaven was so arranged that THE PLAN OF SALVATION could be read by them in everything. The arrangement of the angels in their work about the throne, is a picture of the redeeming love of God. Angelic beings know nothing different. Thus, all heaven waits for the redemption of man. Even the stones which compose the foundation walls, have voices which speak of the atonement. The colors reflected from every object in the heavenly court speak louder of the power and infinite mercy of God than mortal tongue can speak. Human language cannot tell the story. It is beyond description. Throughout eternity, as one thing after another reveals the love of the Father, the redeemed, like the living creatures now about the throne, will sing, “Holy, holy, holy.” Upon the face of our own world, is reflected this story; for nature is “the mirror of divinity;” but man is blind, and he misinterprets those things which point unmistakably to a God of love. The purpose of this revelation of Jesus Christ to the apostle John is to show men how near God is to the creatures of His hand; that Jehovah’s voice may be heard explaining the plan of Redemption. SSP 93.2

As a token of THE COVENANT BETWEEN FATHER AND SON, the bow was placed about the throne. “Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face,” for “mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” After the flood, the rainbow in the cloud was but a faint reflection of the constant reminder in heaven of THE EVERLASTING COVENANT made for the salvation of man BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. SSP 95.1

Ellen White wrote more letters to Haskell than to any other church leader. Their ministries spanned much the same time period, beginning for him at age 20 and for her at age 17. They often shared the same concerns. She lived to age 87, and he to 90. At the time of her death, the only picture in Ellen White’s bedroom of a non-family member was one of Stephen Haskell. http://www.whiteestate.org/pioneer/haskell.asp

…

As He hung upon the cross, angels gathered about the divine Sufferer. As they looked upon their loved Commander, and heard His cry, they asked with intense emotion, “Will not the Lord יהוה (Yehovah) save Him? Shall not that soul-piercing cry of God’s only begotten Son prevail?” We ask, What if it had? What if the world had been left to perish with its accumulation of guilt, while the Commander of all heaven again took up His kingly crown and royal robe, leaving an ungrateful, unappreciative people to perish in their sins? 12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 23

Not long before this, He said, “Now is My soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour.” What melting, heart-stirring words. “Father, glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” The Father responds to this request. “There came a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” [John 12:27, 28; 17:1.] par. 24

As the angels beheld the over-mastering anguish of the Son of God, the words were spoken, “The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent.” [Psalm 110:4.] FATHER AND SON HAVE CLASPED THEIR HANDS AND ARE MUTUALLY PLEDGED TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT, TO GIVE FALLEN MAN ANOTHER CHANCE. par. 25

“Jesus, knowing that all things were [now] accomplished,” cried out with a loud voice, “IT IS FINISHED.” The work that Thou gavest Me is accomplished. [John 19:28, 30; Mark 15:37.] Thus, He gave His dying testimony to men and angels that the work He came to earth to do was to save a perishing world by His death. par. 26

When Christ spoke these words, He addressed His Father. Christ was not alone in making this great sacrifice. IT WAS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE COVENANT MADE BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH WAS LAID. With clasped hands they entered into the solemn pledge that Christ would become the substitute and surety for the human race if they were overcome by Satan’s sophistry. The compact was now being fully consummated. THE CLIMAX WAS REACHED. Christ had the consciousness that He had fulfilled TO THE LETTER the pledge He had made. In death He was more than conqueror. The redemption price has been paid. His right hand and His glorious holy arm have gotten Him the victory. par. 27

When He uttered the cry, “It is finished,” Christ knew that the battle was won. [John 19:30.] As a moral conqueror, He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? Not a son, not a daughter of Adam, but could now lay hold on the merits of the spotless Son of God, and say, Christ has died for me. He is my Saviour. The blood that speaketh better things than that of Abel has been shed. par. 28

The darkness rolled away from the Saviour and from the cross. Christ bowed His head and died. In His incarnation He had reached the prescribed limit as a Sacrifice, but not as a Redeemer. The controversy in regard to the rebellion was answered. The human race have an open door set before them. “These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth.” [Revelation 3:7.] 12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 29

…

PS: When men come in who would move one pin or PILLAR from THE FOUNDATION WHICH GOD HAS ESTABLISHED BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, let the aged men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who are dead speak also by reprinting of their articles in our periodicals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will stand the test of time and trial. 20LtMs, Ms 62, 1905, par. 20

 

Ludo Reuben Prikler, RevivalSeminars.org, June 6, 2024

 

June 21, 2024: If you read thus far, perhaps you are ready to read PART 2:

Massacre at 1655

June 22, 2024: Meanwhile, I received a question from one brother:

Hello Brother Ludo,

Thank you for sharing. Early on in your discourse, you make the statement, “This is when His Son was begotten.” I am intrigued that you made that statement when you did. Please elaborate further, when was the Son begotten and what does that mean?

My response:

Good morning, dear Brother,

Thank you for taking time to look into that paper.

Bible says:
Col 1:15-18 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (hold together). 18 And He is the HEAD of the body, the church: who is the BEGINNING, the firstborn from the dead; that IN ALL THINGS HE MIGHT HAVE THE PREEMINENCE.

We have no information about WHEN Jesus was begotten. We just know He came to be before anything else. I think He was “designed” in Father’s mind to be the answer to sin problem. Thus, we read:

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the BOOK of LIFE of the LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.

This “book” is another fascinating subject. As if the Father wrote out His book even before Christ was begotten in which He foresaw everything.

Psalm 40:7-8 HRB2012 Then I said, Lo, I come, in the roll of the BOOK it is written of Me; 8 I delight to do Your will, O My Elohim; and Your TORAH is within My inmost soul.

This brings us to another fascinating topic, which is the TORAH. But to give you short answer to your question:

Time didn’t exist before the creation of the worlds. Hebrew thinking is CYCLICAL, Greek thinking is LINEAR, just a side note. So, we can say, Christ was begotten in the eternity past.

What does that mean?

1. He has PREEMINENCE over everything
2. Our trinitarian vs One God controversy is totally pointless when it comes to WHEN Jesus was begotten. We know for sure He is not “co-eternal” with His Father. But from human perspective He is almost as old as the Ancient of Days.  Just like Eve, she is as old as Adam, but still she came to be few hours after him.

Did I answer your questions, or your focus is little different?

Answer: Thank you. The placement of the statement in your article almost made it appear as if “begotten” was a designation placed upon the Son after He came forth. I see that is not what you meant at all. Thank you for clarifying.

 

August 21, 2024 – THIS IS A HISTORICAL MOMENT FOR ME!

I just finished watching Izzy’s lecture #9. In his YouTube channel he presents 40 videos about the History of Messianic Movement:

In this video starting from minute 35:06 up to about 37:35 you will read something written many years ago by Jewish Sages (YALKUT) that is capturing exactly the same concept I am presenting above. Hundreds if not thousands of years ago someone with deep understanding of the Hebrew text came to the same inspiration – to think about Father’s dilemma when He was presenting to His Son, our Messiah, the reality of accepting the suffering for the sake of saving our lives from sin!

 

Here is the transcript of the text from the screenshot:

When the Holy Blessed One created the Messiah, He presented Him with a gift.

“These people who are hidden with You – their sins will bring You into an iron yoke, suffocate Your spirit with that yoke, and
make You like a calf with tired eyes. Because of their sins Your tongue will stick to the roof of your mouth. Are you willing?”

“Master of the Universe, will this tribulation last for many years?”

“I promise by Your life and the life of Your head that it has been determined to last for only one week. But if You are grieved
at this, I will expel them right now.”

“Master of the Universe, with all the joy of My heart I receive this upon Myself so that not a single one may be lost from
Israel! And not only will those who are living in My days be saved, but even those hidden in the dust. And not only will those
who die in My days be saved, but also those who died from the time of the first Adam until now! And not only these, but
also those who are aborted in My days will be saved. And not only those who were aborted, but also everyone You thought
of creating but haven’t created yet! I want all this and I accept it.”

What do you think about that?

I just would like to clarify one detail. First sentence starts with: “When the Holy Blessed One created the Messiah…”

We by no means believe that our Messiah is a created Being! When I looked at the Hebrew text where Izzy is translating from, it says:

…התחיל הקדוש ברוך הוא מתנה עם משיח כשבראו אמר ליה הללו

Another translation of this initial part is:

“The Holy One, blessed be He, began to make a COVENANT with the Messiah when He created Him, saying to Him…”

This translation leads us directly to Zech 6:13: …THE COUNSEL OF PEACE [COVENANT] SHALL BE BETWEEN THEM BOTH. Between the Father and His Son.

Back to the word to create – bara – ברא.

When you go to this page you will learn that:

In her 2009 monograph on cognitive linguistics for Biblical Studies Ellen Van Wolde argues that the verb ברא means “to separate” rather than the traditional understanding “to create.” This investigation considers her proposal, Becking and Korpel’s critique of it, cognate and parallel evidence, the semantic domain “creation,” the use of ברא outside of Genesis 1, the use of ברא within Genesis 1, as well its relation to the verb הבדיל. From this discussion, a contextual reading is then proposed which identifies the linguistic traces of the conceptualization of ברא within Gen 1:1-2:3, and it also takes into account script semantics in the association of larger episodes with key vocabulary.

Another website says: The Hebrew root ברא has three distinct meanings. Two are very familiar, one much less so. To create, health (fatness) and to cut down. 

Gesenius, admittedly an older source, claims that they are related. He writes that the common meaning to all is “to cut, to carve out, to form by cutting.” That leads to the sense “to create, produce, fashion.” He then writes that the meaning “to eat, feed, to grow fat,” comes from “cutting food.” And the connection between “to cut” and “to cut down” is fairly obvious. Gesenius also adds another meaning: “to beget”, from which the word bar בַּר [son, pure one, chosen one, cleansed one] derives, connecting it to “creation.” I haven’t seen anyone else say that bar comes from ברא, so I won’t discuss it further here, but I did discuss that meaning of bar in this post.

 

Yeshua is the only begotten Son of His Father, “tore from His bosom.” “He was the Word of God,—God’s thought made audible.” DA 19.2

The Eternal Father, the unchangeable One, gave His only begotten Son, tore from His bosom Him who was made in the express image of His person, and sent Him down to earth to reveal how greatly He loved mankind. He is willing to do more, “more than we can ask or think.” An inspired writer asks a question which should sink deep into every heart: “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” [Rom 8:32] Shall not every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ say, “Since God has done so much for us, how shall we not, for Christ’s sake, show our love to Him by obedience to His commandments, by being doers of His Word, by unreservedly consecrating ourselves to His service?” RH July 9, 1895, par. 13

With this insight we might translate that initial sentence:

“The Holy One, blessed be He, began to make a COVENANT with the Messiah when He derived Him from Himself [as His expressed image Heb 1:3], saying to Him…”