Posted by Drake, Jr. on March 23, 1999 at 22:26:15 {MWI..8PVPLcMY}:
In Reply to: ***THE MANNER OF HIS COMING... posted by Mary on March 22, 1999 at 18:50:12:
Hi Mary,
You're right on point. Yes, I am the Messiah.
Of course, you can't just believe me on this based upon what I say. Who I am will be proved in time.
But basically, this is getting people into the mindframe to update their
concepts as to how the Messiah will arrive and what the Bible really teaches about the Messiah.
This "admission" more or less is keeping things in perspective, since even though the WTS is vascillating on the issue of the "last generation" the Bible's instructions regarding this have to come true as well. And since things are pointing to 1992, there is a need for a confirmation in this regard.
So this is a great little exercise for you. Here I am claiming I'm the Messiah. Of course, your immediate response is to reject this idea. But can you legitimately reject it scripturally? It addresses exactly what this topic is about and that is, basically: WHAT ARE YOU REALLY EXPECTING?
Of course, it won't work out that if you reject me based upon my words only that you will lose your faith. But at the same time, if I really am the Messiah, is there is legitimate basis for being able to dismiss that idea. That is, if I really am the Messiah, then why if there was this private admission to you, would you not be able to identify me based upon the scriptures.
And that boils down to where we are now, and that is the need to dig deeper into the scriptures secret messages in order to determine the truth.
So, take this as an exercise. Just don't dismiss me. EXAMINE ME! Examine your own beliefs as to what you are expecting in the way of the appearance of the Messiah.
Does he come in the flesh? Is he a perfect man again? Or is he an imperfect man this time?
The crux of this issue is the parable of the "Prodigal Son" wherein the father gives the returning, repentant son a "ring" and "robe" indicating he would be the heir, whereas the older brother is not included in the welcome-back banquet. A clear indication, I would think, if we were to apply this directly to some scenario of the second coming, that Jesus fulfills the part of the "prodigal son."
If that's the case, then there are some major adjustments that must be made with respect to the manner of his coming.
Perhaps the most telling, however, is the parable of the "lost drachma coin" wherein a coin is lost and then found and how that relates to the "kingdom of the heavens." How does that illustration relate to some aspect of the Second Coming?
ON the other hand, if the Messiah comes as an imperfect man, or more precisely, if the Messiah adopts the identity of some imperfect man during the Second Coming, and that person lived the life of the "prodigal son", then the lost drachma coin is quite easily related to this aspect of the Second Coming. That is, the lost drachma coin, is simply the scenario of the "lost sheep" or the "prodigal son" who was once lost, and dead, and now was found. And that there was such great joy in heaven over this one who returned, that it was greater than the other 99.
That concept, thus establishes why a "prodigal son" type person was chosen to become the Messiah in the flesh, over all those others who were faithful.
So now what you have to do, is go through the scriptures and see if you can't find harmony over whether the Messiah is to come in the flesh or not, and whether or not there is a valid scriptural support for that Second Coming being one of someone who is imperfect.
The critical scriptural indicators in this regard are:
1. The
prodigal son becomes the Messiah.
2. The lost drachma coin is the Messiah.
3. Lazarus is the Messiah (Rich man and Lazarus)
4. The symbolism of the wave offerings during Passover and Pentecost. The first wave offering is
WITHOUT LEAVEN, meaning sinlessness, which is how the Messiah came the first time. But the second wave offering, are two loaves WITH LEAVEN, which is symbolic of imperfection and sinfulness, even if forgiven. So what is the significance
of the change in how the wave offering is prepared. Of course, since the second wave offering is WITH LEAVEN, it suggests the Second Coming would be one when Jesus would experience in some way the sinful state.
5. And finally, there
is the illustration in Zechariah about the high priest Joshua, who typifies Jesus Christ as "sprout" who is depicted as having befouled garments which addresses his sinfulness, but that sinfulness is forgiven and he is given clean
garments, but also a turban and he becomes the Messiah. So again, there is the suggestion of the prodigal son aspect of the Second Coming, in direct contrast with the way the Messiah came the first time, which was in a perfect state,
which was necessary for his perfect human sacrifice.
And then there is Hebrews, if you are not too confused by the language, that says that "the first time Jesus came it was for SIN (to make a sacrifice) but the second time he comes it will be without regard to sin [without regard to sacrifice]." Clearly this at least shows us that there is a critical difference from the first coming and the second coming, having to do with sin and sacrifice. That is directly related with his being perfect and imperfect.
But perhaps the OVERVIEW is something you need to look at, since I know this is all new. The overview is that Jesus must be the judge of the world. Nothing is more telling than if you can actually "walk in the shoes" of those whom you are to judge. And even though Jesus experienced what it was like to be human the first time he came, he was a PERFECT HUMAN. So how could he really show true empathy for those who are imperfect, if he never really experienced that?
So quite empirically, since it certainly would have been a clear advantage to have the experience as an imperfect person, it was decided to add this dimension to his persona. But how? How can Jesus Christ ever be imperfect?
He can't!
But through the miraculous power of the Creator, the purpose of his understanding imperfection could be achieved if Jesus adopted the personality and identity of someone who was imperfect. One of his servants. That way, he could have this personal experience as part of who he is. At the same time, this would afford him a means of appearing here on the earth in the flesh.
Now Jesus could have easily just materialized another body. That would work to. Angels can do that.
But it turns out this was chosen as a preferred procedure for Christ's expression in the flesh.
Who was chosen. What that person would do and look like and many aspects of the 40-year
test, are carefully documented and hidden in scripture.
And so now, we get to see just how many of these specific indicators were fulfilled by anyone claiming they are the Messiah.
So you have a wonderful choice.
You can either just drop this whole concept and ignore everything without checking the scriptures to be sure.... OR
You can be wise, and consider carefully whether or not your current beliefs about the Second Coming is complete and accurate as far as the Bible is concerned, especially with the new focus on the "prodigal son" issue. You can examine this and see if this makes any sense at all to you spiritually.
And even then, you sill won't know if I'm really the Messiah, but at least, you will be much more awake to where we are in the stream of time and you'll have a better accurate knowledge of the truth.....
and, perhaps, it will show all looking on, whether you are really spiritually minded, a lover of truth, or whether you are deriving your truth from false teachings and thus are remaining in darkness.
So the test is this, no matter what you believe, make sure it's scriptural.
Now this is just a little more of a hint.
Remember, at one point when many asked: "But when did we see you naked and sick and in prison and did not come to you?" and Jesus said: "The fact you did not do it to the least of these my brothers, you did not do it to me." So there is a Second Coming scenario where some would be basically face-to-face with the Messiah but would not recognize who he was. Because they were looking at the outward appearance and not following scripture.
But in the end, they missed out. They had an OPPORTUNITY to examine what was true or not, but they didn't do it, because they had their own sense of self confidence.
Then later on, when it was clear who the Messiah was, they wanted to get into the kingdom. Something they had been waiting for all of their lives! They were knocking on the door and saying, "Let us in!" And Jesus told them:"Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness."
And why?
Because they had the OPPORTUNITY and option to pay
attention. They were encouraged to check the Bible. They SHOULD have been able to take the next spiritual step, but they didn't. They were sluggish and lazy. Then when they were forced to face reality, they wanted to get into the
kingdom.
But it was too late.
So, what I'm saying is that if you were in any way expecting the Messiah to appear sometime before 1994, the end of a generation from 1914, and it doesn't appear that he actually did arrive, and someone is telling you he did, what an opportunity to reexamine specifically your beliefs as to what to expect. You know, maybe the WTS has misguided you in what to expect.
I'm saying I'm the Messiah, but I'm not coming unattached to scriptural support.
And finally, remember, a lot of people will be passed over because of what? "They took no note, and the flood came and swept them away."
So the secret, is being "awake", alert. You have to get of that "broad road" at one point and go down that narrow path. That means you might have to revise a lot of your ideas.
Of course, you don't have to believe anything you're not convinced of and many things will also remain secret. BUT isn't it wise to play it safe and reexamine your beliefs to make sure you truly understand what to expect?
So here's your opportunity. Don't pass it up.
Drake, Jr.