Tag Archive | all things

Christ to reconcile all things to himself – meaning? – Col. 1:20, 2 Cor. 5:18-19

Reconciling all things/the world unto himself?

God brings the new world into existence by sending his son into the old world to transform it or reconcile it. God has done his part by coming in the person of Jesus Christ who died for the whole world, and now we are asked to be reconciled to him through believing in him.

The Bible says in 2 Cor. 5:19 that God was in Christ “reconciling the world unto himself”. What does this mean? The meaning of this reconciliation is actually explained in the very same sentence. It means (in reference to “the world”) “not imputing their trespasses unto them” because he “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation”.

2 Cor. 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Reconcile, from the Greek verb καταλλάσσω (katallassó, Strong’s 2644), also meaning change or exchange. It is used 6 times in the KJV. Blueletterbible provides the example of two parties reconcile when coming (“changing”) to the same position.

When did this reconciliation occur? It occurred when Jesus died on the cross – so past tense. Thanks to Jesus death on the cross, he provided the means for us to be totally cleansed from our sins. This offer was not provided to only a part of the world, but all of the world can benefit from Jesus sacrifice on the cross because he died for the whole world. God does not want anyone to perish … However, the requirement is faith and repentance, or else our sins will not be forgiven.

In the Old Testament we can read about the temporary Jewish animal sacrifice system but this was just a temporary law and a foreshadow of what was to come. In Lev. 16:20 we can read about the reconciliation that Aaron performed among the people of Israel by means of animal sin offerings, and particularly the scapegoat (a picture of Jesus Christ) who ran off into the wilderness with the sins of the people symbolically on its head. (Note about the atonement that Jesus Christ came to remove our sins rather than paying for our sins – but it is still possible to say that Jesus “paid a big price” since he gave up his life for our sake.) It is important to understand that 1) this type of sin offering and cleansing was temporary and needed to be repeated, 2) the people of Israel did not become cleansed from their sins with no participation of their own. The people were also required to REPENT from their sins, or else Aaron’s rituals would be to no avail. The same requirement also applies in the New Testament.

Lev. 16:9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: — 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.— 20 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:— ²²And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. — 34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.–

As far as Aaron was concerned, the “reconciliation” of the congregation and all the holy places was done just prior to letting the scapegoat run off. Despite of this reconciliation, the people of Israel was not “once cleansed always cleansed”, because if they continued to sin in the future they would yet again become unclean and in need of an animal sacrifice.

We get more details of what Paul meant in the very same chapter – 2 Cor 5.

2 Cor. 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. —15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.— 17 Therefore IF any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.— –20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Notice above that we labor in order to be accepted by God. Jesus died for all, but this does not mean that all are saved. Only that he made provision for all. “IF any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”, but what happens if a person is not in Christ? Right after v. 19 (about reconciliation) Paul requests his readers to “be ye reconciled to God”, indicating that we too must do our part while living on earth. In heaven all will be considered righteous and will therefore already be reconciled to God, so we have to get things right with God while living on earth. It is he who endures to the end who will be saved.

Here is another well-known verse about reconciliation:

Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Reconcile, from the Greek verb ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallassó, Strong’s 604), also meaning change from one state of feeling to another. Apart from Col 1:20-21, it is also used in Eph 2:16.

Above we can see meaning of reconciliation yet again, and this time in the first half of the sentence. It means “having made peace through the blood of his cross”, which is something that happened about 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross. This means that it has already happened. More information from the same chapter:

Col. 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;—12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: — 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: — 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23 IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; — 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Above we can see that having the Spirit of God seems to be something rather essential for a saved person. In. v. 12 we can see that the Saints (with the Spirit) are promised to be partakers of the inheritance. Jesus died for the world and enabled all to be saved, but only the Saints are promised this wonderful inheritance. V. 14 tells us again that we have redemption “through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”. In v. 21-22 we can yet again see that the reconciliation has already happened when it comes to the Corinthians. Jesus died for them to do his part (in the body of his flesh through death), and they have also done their part by repenting. Still, they are not once saved always saved, because already in the next verse we can read about a condition to remained saved. v. 23 says “IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel”. v. 28 tells us why Paul therefore continues to warn people, to be able to present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

More Bible verses

Below we can see in v. 10 that the reconciliation has already happened. Paul expects all those who are reconciled to also be saved through Jesus Christ and get eternal life, but he also mentions death and condemnation for others. He explains further that “many” will be justified and righteous, and he tells us in most of his letters that those are the Saints – those who believe in Christ and have repented for their sins. Jesus died for the world, but the wonderful promises of eternal life in the new Jerusalem are made for the Saints who have chosen to come to Christ for reconciliation.

Rom. 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. — 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. — 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) — 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

The topic below is Jews and gentiles, and the picture of branches being broken off the olive tree. For this reason we can read in. v. 15 that casting away of “them” (the Jews) might result in reconciling of the world, which does not mean that none of the Jews will be saved but all of the other people. Paul goes on to explain that branches can both be broken off and added back in again, and for this reason we should all take heed.

Rom. 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; — 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

Jesus promises below that unless we are converted (repent for our sins) we shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus does not open the door for others.

Matt.18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. — 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.— 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. — 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Every man has been given the light, so there is no excuse for not coming to God. John explains below who the sons (the children) of God are. They are the ones who have received Jesus and who believe in his name. Jesus died to take away the sins of the world, but only those who repent of their sins will be cleansed and forgiven. If they do, they are truly the sons of God and will therefore be able to enter into the new Jerusalem:

John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.–– 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: — 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. —

1 John 1:6 IF we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7 But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.— 9 IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John explains that some people will not enter into the new Jerusalem, and those are the ones not written in the book of life. Only he that overcomes shall inherit all things, but not the sinners.

Rev. 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. — 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

God does not give us only one single chance to live a holy life while living on earth, but if we mix sins with righteousness we are still walking in darkness and do not know the Lord.

God works all things after the counsel of his own will? Eph. 1:11

Mar24

God’s will is that man should use his free will and seek him (see Acts 17)

God has a sovereign freedom to accomplish whatever he chooses, like guaranteeing the proper inheritance to the children of God (which are those who are following Jesus). The promise is to those and no one else.

The following verse is a popular Calvinistic proof text, often quoted (by itself) to support the idea that everything under the sun occurs precisely according to God’s plans, down to every single detail:

Eph. 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will

The verse of course say no such thing (that God’s will always happens), unless we are talking about his will to give man free will and make man responsible for his own actions. Note that it says “works” all things and not “cause” all things … The verse does not say that all thoughts, words and deeds are predestined by God, but it rather explains what God does, in terms of providing wonderful promises through Christ.

Councel in Eph. 1:11 is a translation from the Greek noun βουλή (boulé, Strong’s 1012) and could also be translated deliberate wisdom. This noun derives from the verb βούλομαι (boulomai, Strong’s 1014) and means will, intend, desire or wish.

Some theologians claim that it is also about God planning and arranging all physical circumstances in order to achieve his exact plans which always take place down to the finest detail. This is something the Bible does not say.

The noun boulé occurs 12 times in the KJV Bible. Examples:

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Quite clearly God’s counsel can be rejected.

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

If God caused and scripted Calvary in all details, why does the text not say so? Instead we can read that his foreknowledge was involved. Knowing about future events is not the same as causing future events.

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Paul is clearly not a Calvinist since he does not relax and trust that God’s will always happens and that the elect will remain elect (and the non-elect remain non-elect). He warns people with tears night and day because disciples will be drawn away from the gospel. Why does he do that if nothing can go wrong but always turn out as God wants? Paul rather believes the scriptures, and understands that prayers can make a difference!

Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. — 41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

1 Cor. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Unfortunately Calvinists usually believe that God decrees “whatsover comes to pass” and are keen to interpret “work all things after the counsel of His will” as though everything pans out exactly as God wills it, both good and bad. That would include God deterministically scripting every murder, rape and abortion that will ever take place! The text, however, must not be read in this sweeping and all-inclusive way. The “all things” refers to all things that God accomplishes in Christ (in a general sense) because this is what the previous verses talk about.

Eph. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ

Paul provides examples of the above mentioned blessings and promises, which are only meant for those who are IN CHRIST which is the condition for salvation. The eternal purpose is that God’s children, his church will be able to look forward to a guaranteed inheritance waiting for them in the heavenly places. Again, the condition is to be IN CHRIST, and if someone does not endure to the end that person is no longer IN CHRIST and the promises are therefore not tied to him. The “salvation bus” is predestined to go to heaven and guaranteed to be blessed, but who is in and who remains to the end? That is totally up to us and we know the conditions which are presented to us. Those who are in Christ are considered to be his holy children. The text does not say that the promises are provided with no conditions.

It might be a help to ask oneself what is predestined according to His purpose. In order to get the answer one must of course go back to the previous verses, because a verse can never be read in a vacuum. The answer is again “the inheritance in Christ! The verse right (v. 12) after says “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ”, and v. 13 continues to talk about “trusting” and “believing”. It is possible that Paul includes the very first belivers in this sentence, and we should note that “trusted” is an action that people might choose to do. God will not “trust” for us or instaed of us. It is rather a condition for salvation. V. 19 says “the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe“. The believers are in Christ – again, the condition.

If I would tell someone about my work and say that “all things” worked out perfectly fine – maybe even after the counsel of my will – the listener would not assume that I just claimed that every single thing in the entire world worked out absolutely great, and that I have solved all the world’s problems. Neither would the listener assume that I claimed to be the cause of all things that I said took place.

Compare:

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Paul is here talking about being content no matter what state he is in (in both good and bad circumstances) and to be able to do the good works which God has prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:10). Paul is not including everything under the sun in “all things”, but the term must of course be understood in its context. The verse certainly does not say that by “all things” you can do all forms of evil and wickedness through God who strengthens you. Similarly, Eph. 1:11 does not say that the “all things” would include evil and wickedness.

All things work out for good for all people -more than in a general term?

Paul promises us in Rom. 8 that all things work out together for good to them that LOVE GOD, which of course is a condition for salvation. If Paul had meant that all things work out for good for all people everywhere, including all details from God’s perspective, then he could have skipped the condition of having to love God.

Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

In the same chapter Paul explains which conditions that apply for escaping condemnation: 1) You must be IN JESUS, and 2) you must not walk after the flesh but after the Spirit. This is something that WE must make sure to do, and God will not do it for us:

Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. — 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

He goes on to explain, that if we live according to the flesh (not an obligation), we cannot please God. The solution to the problem is of course to NOT live according to the flesh but after the Spirit:

Rom. 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Paul explains that we definitely do not have to live after the flesh. The choice is clear; if you live after the flesh you will die, and if you live after the Spirit you will live. Who are the sons of God? Those who have chosen to be led by the Spirit of God. If someone lives after the flesh, he can certainly not blame God for it but only himself. The better option is always to live by the Spirit in order to get life:

Rom. 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Paul tells us about the same wonderful promises of glorification just as in Eph. 1, but again, only for those who are God’s children who live after the Spirit:

Rom. 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Paul repeats again that all things work together for good to them that love God. The “calling” is widespread because we know from the parable of the King’s wedding feast (Matt. 22) that many of those who were called to participate in the feast (they were even on the guest list) declined to go. One person who actually did go to the feast was still thrown out because he had neglected to wear appropriate clothes (his own responsibility). We are justified when we are cleansed from our past sins, and after this point our goal is to be conformed into the image of Jesus which is something to look forward to. We have an assurance in the hope of salvation while on earth, as long as we abide in Jesus of course. Rom. 8:29 is referring to those in v. 28, who love God. Do read about Rom 8:28-30 here.

Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God provides provisions and works all things after the counsel of his will, but he does not cause people to act according to some predestined plans. If God forces people to think and act in a certain way, what is the point of judging them for things they cannot possibly avoid?:

1 Cor.10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. He would prefer that they would repent in order to live:

Ez. 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

If someone ends up with an interpretation which makes God the greatest culprit and a lover of sin, this is clearly an erroneous understanding. A religion that blames the sin of all mankind on God is clearly incorrect. We should rather use this verse as a filter:

Ja. 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, NEITHER TEMPTETH HE ANY MAN

We are requested to not excuse our sin by suggesting “God made me do it”. God does not tempt anyone, much less causes anyone to sin, but in order to save the philosophy of Calvinism God must be blamed for the sin of all mankind even though it is blasphemy? Calvinists might try to solve the problem with “it’s a miracle” or “God’s ways are higher than our ways”, but in that case anyone can introduce contradictions into the Bible and excuse them by saying “God’s ways are higher than our ways” and “who are we to question God?”.

It is a lot safer to agree with the Bible which says that God’s will does not always happen. Yet, he is still in control (does not mean micro management) and all things work out wonderfully for those who love him.

Everything is created by JESUS CHRIST, who is GOD ALMIGHTY

Jul14

It’s very hard to get around the fact that the Bible teaches that Jesus was BEFORE ALL THINGS and has always been with the Father from the beginning. Jesus was also together with the israelites during the Exodus according to Paul, so he didn’t have his initial start in the virgin Mary. We can trust that God is able to describe the attributes of Jesus in a way that we can understand, and if absolutely NOTHING and NO ONE was BEFORE Jesus (and God is SOMEONE isn’t he?) then Jesus must have been the origin of all things, and truly first and eternal.

Since we can read that all things were made by Jesus and all things were made by God, it must mean that Jesus IS this GOD (as in the same trinity) because only God can possess this creative power. Since the Bible makes it very clear that there is only ONE God, Jesus and the Father must therefore be in the same GODHEAD.

Jesus was before all things and created everything with his own hands

Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created BY HIM, and for him: And HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, and by him all things consist.

John. 17:⁵And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee BEFORE THE WORLD WAS.

1 Cor. 8:⁵For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)⁶But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, BY WHO ARE ALL THINGS, and we by him.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANYTHING MADE THAT WAS MADE.10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.—14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

(Revelation 19:13 And he [Jesus] was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.)

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, to receive glory and honour and power: FOR THOU HAST CREATED ALL THINGS, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; —.8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.—10 And, Thou, Lord, IN THE BEGINNING HAST LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH; and THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF THINE HANDS

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the BEGINNING and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, THE MIGHTY GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 10:²⁰And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon theLord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.²¹The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the MIGHTY GOD.

GOD (God the Father) created all things with his own hands – ALL ALONE

Isaiah 37:¹⁶O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

Isaiah 42:⁵Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:—-.⁸I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Isaiah 43:10-11 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Isaiah 44:²³Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.²⁴Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens ALONE; that spreadeth abroad the earth BY MYSELF

Isaiah 45:¹⁸For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God HIMSELF that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, HE formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.¹⁹I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.—.²¹Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.²²Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.²³I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Isaiah 51:¹³And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

Ps. 8:³When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?⁵For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.⁶Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet

Ps. 90:²Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Ps. 95:³For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.⁴In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.⁵The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.⁶O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Ps. 102:²⁵Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.²⁶They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:²⁷But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Ps. 115:15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

Ps. 148:⁵Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.⁶He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.—¹³Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.²And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.³And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Gen. 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;²Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Exodus 31:¹⁷It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Deut. 4:³²For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?—³⁵Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him.—³⁹Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

Deut. 32:⁶Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not MADE thee, and established thee?

Job 9:1 Then Job answered and said,²I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?—⁸Which ALONE spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.⁹Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

2 Kings 19:¹⁵And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou ALONE, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Eccl. 7:²⁹Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Nehemiah 9:⁶Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Jeremiah 10:¹²He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.¹³When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Jeremiah 23:²⁴Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

Ezekiel 28:¹³Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.¹⁴Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.¹⁵Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

Mark 13:¹⁹For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Acts 4:²⁴And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:²⁵Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?²⁶The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Acts 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein

Acts 17:²³For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.²⁴God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;²⁵Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;²⁶And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;²⁷That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:²⁸For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Eph. 3:⁸Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;⁹And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ

Hebr. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;²Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.³For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.⁴For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.—⁶But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Rev. 14:⁶And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,⁷Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Proverbs. 8:²⁰I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:²¹That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.²²The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.²³I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.²⁴When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.²⁵Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:²⁶While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.²⁷When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:²⁸When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:²⁹When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:³⁰Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;³¹Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.³²Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.³³Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.³⁴Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.³⁵For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.³⁶But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Jesus was with the israelites in Egypt and during Exodus, and we are to worship the CREATOR – which is Jesus

Jesus existed long before he came into flesh and was born by Mary. We can see him as THE angel of the Lord as per this blog article (note that malak doesn’t have to be an angel but can be any type of a messenger of God) and it could be in this form that he was together with the israelites during the Exodus.

1 Cor. 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;²And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;³And did all eat the same spiritual meat;⁴And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.⁵But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.⁶Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.⁷Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.⁸Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.⁹Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Hebr. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;—⁷Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,⁸Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:⁹When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.¹⁰Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.¹¹So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)¹²Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.—¹⁵While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.¹⁶For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.¹⁷But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?¹⁸And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?¹⁹So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Ps. 95: 1 O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.—⁷For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,⁸Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:⁹When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.¹⁰Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:¹¹Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Deut.4:³³Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?³⁴Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Acts.4:⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,—¹⁰Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.¹¹This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.¹²Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.