Pre-Existence – 1

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Preexistence is an important truth. Preexistence explains many occurrences among the human race that are otherwise un-explainable. The diverse human condition and different circumstances, that men find themselves, living and dying under, are explained comfortably, through the doctrine of preexistence. The bible teaches preexistence. Perhaps you don’t realize that at this time. The Holy Ghost, your trustworthy teacher, I pray will be with you as you read this effort, to share this doctrine with you. The Preacher knows that he is inadequate, and unable to reach your hearts, and minds, without your Heavenly Fathers gift of drawing you to him. We will miss some verses, however, lets read as many as the Preacher can identify, that speak to him from the Bible, which teaches such a doctrine.

Would anyone, believing in God, dare accuse him of being a respecter of persons? You must notice, as the Preacher does, the privileges or lack of privileges among your fellow men? Can you explain the unfairness that seems to persist among the world’s population? Do you know a priest, or minister, that has an explanation for what appears to be unfairness? Odds are, you don’t. Pre-existence is taught and celebrated by, The Church of Latter-Day Saints, (Mormons) and too few others. No, the Preacher is not a Latter Day Saint.

The Preacher uses the word saint to mean anyone that has been called out of the world by our Heavenly Father. A saint is a member of the kingdom of God, which Christ organized and continues to lead to this day. The Preacher will elaborate on the subject of the kingdom of God in a separate writing.

Preexistence, the Preacher is pleased to tell you, is received by an increasing number of God’s children. I trust you will understand by the end of this writing just why this is true. If preexistence is an important truth as I claim, then it would have been taught from the beginning of mortal time. Yes, it was lost to the general population because of sin as indeed other truths as well. Should you become persuaded, of the truthfulness of our having preexisted, with our Heavenly Father and the Lamb in times past and a place is forgotten, please, share that with the Preacher.

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Job 38:4

Remember, Satan has deceived the whole world. That means you and I. Only by the grace of God are we able to escape the many deceptions that he manufactures continually. Preexistence, explains how it is, that some escape sooner than others. Preexistence, establishes an enlightened appreciation, for our Heavenly Father’s patient, loving-kindness, for each of his children, you and I. The doctrine is not new. Satan would without any doubt, have you believe that it was. Satan would be delighted in having the understanding of preexistence removed from man’s knowledge and memory. Why, because any and all light interferes with his work. Satan is an enthusiastic worker, determined to test and prove each one of us. This earthly existence is a schoolmaster, calculated to persuade us of eternal truths and afford the repentant opportunity necessary for our own good. Also, I will mention, for the good of the universe. Does that sound important enough for you? Well, it sure does impress me in an awesome way. Preexistence reveals who Satan, the old devil, really is, and how he relates to you and I. Don’t for one minute, allow yourself to be deceived into believing that Satan is not real. That is exactly what Lucifer, the Devil, wants you to believe. Satan exists, the Preacher promises, and his power is awesomely real.

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go to the Father.  (John 16:28)

Here we have Jesus telling us, that he was with our Heavenly Father. Left his Father, our Father’s presence, and came into this world. Jesus tells us that he is returning to the presence of the Father, from which he had come forth from. Jesus was certain about where he came from. He was equally certain as to where he was going. The Preacher wants you to understand, that Jesus, in so many ways set an example for us to follow. The Preacher is certain that you can arrive at a conviction, and even personal knowledge about just where you are returning to, even like Christ.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.            1 Corinthians 15:19

What does this plainly say to you? The Preacher believes, we should live obedient and worthy lives, so that God will be pleased to provide certainty, through manifested knowledge, as Paul referred to it above. Expect that at some point, hope will be replaced with knowledge. Pray to your Heavenly Father, in the name of Yahusha (Jesus) the Christ, with this expectation all ways in your mind. Believing, you shall surely not walk, in this life, with only hope in Christ. The Preacher is reminded of a verse in the book of James.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Yahuah (God), that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Worldly men don’t bother their heads with many of these thoughts. They don’t believe in Yahuah (God). Especially, that he is a giver of the gift of wisdom. They behave as if this mortal experience is all that there is, nothing more. Therefore, worldly men have given themselves permission to be selfish. They want their share of all worldly pleasure and they want it now. They assume that there is no predictability regarding the duration of life. That sounds almost right. The world excites many with the promises of fame and fortune. The worldly person knows that they might die tomorrow. Hence the saying, ”Make merry today, for tomorrow we die.” They are confident that there is no accountability. Who or what will require an accounting of our actions, on this side or the other side of life? Let us do whatever feels good, and if we break a few man-made laws, that’s all right, as long as you don’t get caught. If we are wrong, what the hell, we will certainly have plenty of company. After all, no one can prove that there is life after death. Or, as a matter of fact, that there is even a God and/or Creator.

You and I know that nothing is hidden from Yahuah (GOD). Should we not live accordingly?

Religious people, on the other hand, believe strongly that life exists after death. That man made laws are to be obeyed, especially by the children of the kingdom of God. Many believe that the next life will be a happy experience in heaven with God, the angels, and family. People are taught that a miserable experience in the lake of fire and brimstone awaits them, forever and ever if they fail to follow the churches’ teachings.

When I was a young man, I can remember getting very upset at a revival preacher’s sermon about a blazing hellfire and how it was waiting for many of us. You wouldn’t just burn-up but would burn without being consumed, forever and ever. I walked out of that meeting to my surprise, with a strong opinion that such a place simply did not exist. A large portion of the congregation was family which shows you how upset I must have been. Do you really believe that God, your Heavenly Father would do that to his own children? Many of us have painful lessons to learn but can you really imagine such a punishment from a loving and just Heavenly Father.

However, I am reminded of a third of the heavenly having been cast out of heaven without the opportunity to receive mortal bodies. Perhaps, damned for all eternity. I regret to say that at this time that I must do more research for some answer.

What happens to the Devil and his followers? What is to be understood about the lake of fire? Topics for a future study and posting.

Many religions teach that our actions manifest our degree of faith in Yahuah (God) or no. And, directly influences the final state of our life after death. Self-denial of the comforts and pleasures of this life will be rewarded in excess of what is lost here. That would hopefully quite the unrest suffering of the poor, the helpless and subjugated masses. Is truth to be had? I feel highly confident that the answer to that question will be, a big YES.

Can a person be harmless, benevolent, and charitable throughout their entire life, and yet, fail to realize the potential that this life affords, in regards to life after death? My answer to this question is a simple undeniable yes. Preexistence rejects many commonly held beliefs and assertions. I’m beginning to doubt that this subject will be covered properly in the time and space that I have predetermined to allow. I will come back and add to this writing in the future, Yahuah willing.

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9

A definition of salvation may be, a deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. Notice the condition attached to this verse, obedience.

The Ten Commandments, which can be found in the Bible, Exodus 20:3-17, are so important, that Yahuah (God) entrusted no one, not even Moses to write them down. The Bible tells us that Yahuah (God) inscribed on two tables of stone this perfect set of commandments. These commandments are provided out of love for our mortal and eternal welfare. Mankind would be in a much happier condition if only we would obey these commandments.

Our Heavenly Father must draw you to himself, and consequently to Yahusha (Jesus), the author of eternal salvation. If we are not drawn during mortality, when? The mandatory condition for eternal salvation is obedience to the Lord Yahusha (Jesus) our appointed head, our King. Should you fail to comply during your mortal stay, is that the only opportunity? I have another question for each of you. If we sleep in death, knowing nothing, can obedience be possible for many of us? How much time do you have to become obedient to the Lord? You might suggest, until death, or perhaps, until judgment day. Without spiritual continuance, it would appear to be hopeless, for the vast majority of us. Note, eternal salvation and immortality are two different states of being. I’ll reserve an explanation for another occasion. The Preacher has already shown that immortality is a gift to all the children born into this world. Didn’t you miss that, I hope not? We are all children of Yahuah (God), literally, Spirit Children. Does that thought please you? Or, do you feel that such a thought is a blasphemous thought? The Preacher will discuss this in depth at a later writing. Anyway, preexistence explains why some are slow to be drawn and others may only need to touch base with this world very briefly.

For many are called, but few are chosen.  Matthew 22:14

For as in Adam all die, even so in Yahusha (Christ) shall all be made alive.  1 Corinthians 15:22

The idea that we have one short, perhaps very short life on earth causes some to live in a constant state of uneasiness. Infants and the young die all the time without the opportunity to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ. This fact raises many unanswered questions in most Christian communities. Aren’t you surprised at the number of us, without questions, or an expression of concerns about such facts? Unless you subscribe to the doctrine of Pre-Existence, there is simply no explanation for the observed human disparity of conditions. The common belief, that we immediately enter eternal bliss, or eternal torment (more likely the latter) depending on decisions often made with little or no correct information. Once again, preexistence is a key to understanding, the otherwise mysteries of Yahuah (God).

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

Does this verse suggest a favorable outcome for the Devil and his Angels after a duration of time and unknown circumstances?  Maybe, the Lake of Fire is a metaphor for a purifying process.

The Preacher is happy to join other voices that believe the Bible says clearly that eventual restitution of all things or universal reconciliation will take place. The Preacher also accepts that we preexisted as spirits, with Yahuah (God), before we entered our earthly bodies. You might have guessed as much, right?

The entire view of our earthly life changes because of these two beliefs. Mortal life shrinks to become apart of something much larger and more glorious. When we have an understanding of our preexistent spiritual life, the vast differences, both in experiences and opportunities come more sharply into focus in regards to why. It may surprise you to know that those differences may become far less unimportant than we previously thought. Yes, amounting to very little, when considering the overall plan for God’s sons and daughters.

The scriptural evidence for our preexistence will be examined according to the gift given. Before we begin, perhaps we should ask ourselves why so few believe in the preexistence. Why do so few see this truth as they read the Holy Bible?

 Matthew 13:10-11

10And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11He answered and said unto them because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it is not given.

Why is truth hidden? Could it be that pre-judgment was passed upon each of us because of the choices we made in our pre-existence? The Preacher is confident, that all the things, which are given to us, are calculated to afford the greatest possible good, for each of us. Punishment may be necessary for our eternal welfare. We discipline our children to teach them. We love them never the less. Yahuah (God) wants us to find our proper place in the universe and to be in total agreement about that particular place. Yahuah (God) wants us to be happy and does what is right for each of us.

We should not judge one another. We aren’t privileged to know the hearts of our fellow men. We are not likely to know our brother or sister’s valiant or lack of valiancy during their preexistence. There was a dispute, a struggle and a third of the heavenly host lost.

Consider for a moment that all God’s children are required to come into the world. Receive a mortal body, and die, in order to qualify for a resurrected spiritual body. An exception exists for those who failed to keep their first estate. I can’t comment further on this because I lack understanding at this time. Those of us who pasted with sufficient scores, the trials, and testing, during our first estate, may only need to make a brief entrance into this world. Infants and children are innocent and out of Satan’s deceptive reach. If someone doesn’t understand right from wrong, then there is no accountability. Their heavenly reward is most certainly assured through the blood, of the Lamb of God? Do you see how difficult it is to pass judgment?

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? John 9:2

Why did the disciples ask such a question of the Lord? Did they believe a man could sin before he was born? Did they believe that the sins of parents could affect their offspring?

The Preacher says, yes, to both of these questions. This would have been a good opportunity to correct such false notions if indeed they were false. Yahusha (Jesus) did not correct his disciples. Their questions were founded in shared common beliefs which were the truth.

God reveals the hidden truth to worthy souls when it pleases him. Did the Apostle Paul deserve to be awakened and called to serve the church? Did he not persecuted, the early church, with much zeal and destruction? What kind of spirit was Paul during his pre-mortal existence? God sure had a previous understanding, a familiarity with Paul’s strength and weakness. Yahusha (Jesus) knew him also and called him personally to the labor in behalf of this kingdom. Paul was a mighty tool under the guidance of the Lord in building up his kingdom.

Men have always enjoyed the potential of knowing the fullness of the gospel. Which translates into the hope of salvation, through the promised Lamb of God. However, the sin of the preexistence has brought appropriate difficulty into our lives. Over coming, adversity is a profitable activity, both in this life and the next. Yahuah’s (God’s) plan has provided the opposition to all things. When life becomes difficult, smile and face the opportunity to grow by exercising patients unto perfection. Be perfect, even as your Father, who is in heaven, is perfect. Mortality may not be your time to receive the light necessary to praise your God. There will be a time when we will all be filled with joy, praise and song for our beloved Heavenly Father and his First Born.

Romans 16:25-26 

25 Now to him, that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

The Apostle Paul upon re-reading the ancient scripture with the guidance of the Holy Spirit found the revealed truth that was there earlier but requires a new heart and an enlighten mind to discover it.

In the New Testament, Yahusha (Jesus) spoke in parables to reveal the truth to those whom he chose, not to the multitudes. Is it possible that parables spares the unready and unwilling, the greater condemnation, that comes with willful rebellion? Truth in scripture awaits all who seek with a sincere and humble hearth, through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Hidden truths we will find in all kinds of ways, limited only by the obedience.

Man’s sin and corruption is the major reason for truth being hidden. The universal reconciliation doctrine and what it means has been hidden by faulty translations of key Greek words to the masses. The Preacher seeks more understand in regard to this subject. Therefore, he will hopefully approach a separate article in the future. The Preacher believe in the sure rock of living revelation for anything yet to be revealed.

Eternal damnation was needed to control the church members and frighten them into obedience. This is not God’s way in my opinion, but it is our natural man’s tendency. The natural man is an enemy of God. God revealed dietary wisdom, for man’s benefit, without compulsion. While, the church will command with attached penalties for failure to obey. The ecclesiastical authorities were pleased with the inaccurate translation of holy scriptures. The Church teaching was calculated to conquer and control the people. Burden and bondage, seem to be the normal practice of many Christian institutions. Jesus brought liberty and freedom, not bondage

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. Revelation 2:6

 
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.  Revelation 2:15
Let us examine what Nicolaitane means. Nicolaitane means, “a follower of Nicolas.” It originates from the Greek words, nikos meaning, “conquerer” or “destroyer,” and laos, meaning, “people.” The original Nicolas—Nimrod was a destroyer of the people. Nicolas is merely the Greek word for Nimrod. Within two centuries after the Flood, Nimrod had conquered the people and founded a man-made civilization.  The doctrine of the Nicolaintane comes down to teaching salvation through works instead of salvation by grace through faith. The whole purpose behind the doctrine of salvation by works is to get people to the point that they can be conquered and controlled. Jesus never set up nor endorsed a clergy – laity system. We are all of the one Body. There is no high-archy nor low-archy. Christ is our High Priest and he alone is the head of the one and only true church. (The kingdom of God )

The traditional church notion of eternal judgment makes it quite impossible for anyone to believe in any kind of pre-existence. Jesus said that he came from the Father and went back to the Father. Would it be sensible to suggest that we also came from the Father, but that the majority of us were going to the devil? What Father, would send his children off on an adventure, that would most likely end with them being afflicted, with unspeakable torment for time without end?

If you cling to the traditional majority teaching that most of the human race is destined for perpetual and indescribable torment, then pre-existence with God becomes an absurd impossibility. What a monster these traditions would appear to accuse God of being.

The universal reconciliation and pre-existence teachings are yoked together. If you believe in eternal damnation, you cannot possibly believe you where a pre-existent spirit,

having been in the company of God. If pre-existence is a part of your belief system, it is a strong argument for believing in universal reconciliation. Would you cast a member of your family out of your presents without much hope or opportunity of returning unto your favor once again?

The reasons that the bible is referred to as a living book, is because, that it will reveal something new each opportunity we have to read it. I may have said this already before but a profitable truth is worth repeating. If we humble ourselves and seek God’s light of understanding, he is pleased to give it to us. Not all at once, but line upon line, precept after precept. From my perspective, life could not be long enough to achieve the depth of knowledge that fills the universe. I wonder how much we already know that has been hid with a veil of forgetfulness.

The Preacher is confident that the early church believed both in universal reconciliation and in pre-existence. Research reveals that until the sixth century A.D., early Christianity taught that we had a pre-earth life. The doctrine of a pre-existence was condemned by the council of Constantinople, in A.D. 553 and therefore became lost to the majority of Christian believers. The Preacher believes that the church of God, which Jesus established, has never been overcome or indeed can be.

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

Recall that Jesus asked Peter the question, “who would you say that I am?” Peter replied, “the Son of the living God.”  Jesus responding by saying that flesh and blood had not revealed it to him but his Father in heaven. Hence, the Preacher understands this rock expression to be the rock of revelation. Please, search and discover for yourself if this is not a correct reading.

What better footing or more certain knowledge is there to be had than revelation from God himself, to build and maintain his church? This is an important element or principle of his church, the church of God. What is God’s, also belongs to the Lord Jesus. The gates of hell shall not prevail against their church. The gates of hell, is the same as saying the grave, death or the end. That statement tells the Preacher that there is no need to restore God’s church because it has never been lost. God knows where his saints are, each and ever one of them. There are those who teach that the early church became totally lost by a falling away or apostatizing. And yet history records saints being persecuted throughout the ages. Saints are members of the church of the first born, which existed before the foundation of the world. And, will exist after this planet is consumed by fire.

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Psalm 34:9

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

The Preacher’s reading of scripture reveals the spiritual component of man’s being nearly everywhere he reads biblical scripture. Yet, there are many who will deny that there is such an element to man’s being. I can’t appreciate the comfort such belief has for the believers of this notion. Maybe the Preacher needs to consider more carefully over time but I suspect that the deceiver has them blinded. The Preacher knows that he can be blinded. Pride is naturally the root of the problem with most of us. It pains the Preacher to know of so many brothers and sisters not enjoying the knowledge of their true natures, their noble heritage. Anyway, let continue. I have a difficult time staying on track.

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Rom 11: 36).

My reading of Rev. 5:13 expresses a promise to me that all God’s creatures will surely be reconciled to him. This gives me tear filled rejoicing in the depth of my heart because I love his creations and my brothers and sisters. Family is such a dear thing and eternity is a reunion place we should look forward, even anxious to be apart of.

Other scriptures indicate that the majority of mankind will go into everlasting torment.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  Matthew 25:41 

Revelation 14:10-11

10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:46

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thessalonians 1:9 

Scriptures like these seem to contradict others. Examining the original Greek and Hebrew, it was discovered that words translated for ever and for ever and ever, are used in many contexts where the time is clearly limited to a lifetime or less. Translating the word used for everlasting or eternal is also used in places where it could not possibly have that meaning. Be ever vigilant in your search for the truth.

Future, corrective punishment exists, but its duration is not for ever and ever. Fire and brimstone (sulphur) are both purifying agents. The second death, the lake of fire, will serve its purifying purpose. When Christ overcomes death, the last enemy, the lake of fire and brimstone will cease to exist.

According to John’s vision, the time will come when:

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13 

This may be strange for you to read, but have you ever felt sadness for Lucifer and the third part of the heavenly host. They where cast out of heaven unto this earth, without  mortal bodies. Are they cut-off for all times? They serve God’s plan, by trying and testing us, they are tools used to serve us. I want God’s will to be done in all things and can’t imagine that it might not being realized. There are things that God will not do. I really don’t want to continue this line of reasoning. Back it pre-existence.

We now focus more particularly on the scriptural arguments for pre-existence as spirits from the presence God.

The Scriptures contain clear statements of the pre-existence of Jesus. Do you know anyone that will argue with this statement? The following scripture is the most favored for supporting Jesus’ pre-existence.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1  

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.John 8:58 

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.  John 16:28  

We mentioned this verse earlier; there is no ambiguity here.

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philippians 2:7 

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:18

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.  Ecclesiastes 12:7

This is a clear and unambiguous statement. The spirit came from God and the spirit returns to God. Some claim that the term, ”spirit,” means breath and therefore is incorrectly understood when declaring it to be a separable part of man composition. Have are friends forgotten that all eyes shall behold the return of the Lamb of God. It is mentioned that even the one who pierced him shall see his return. The Preacher invites one and all to replace the word spirit with breath whenever he is confronted with the word spirit in bible scripture. He believes you will find it most amusing.

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah 1:4  

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5  

A child would read this correctly. Many who are estranged to God and will not understand until they repent and receive God’s awaiting grace. Turn from your evil heart. Pray that God will help you be all that he would have you be!

Before Jeremiah entered his mother’s womb the verse says clearly that God knew him. If Jeremiah, being a prophet but a man nevertheless, was know by God, would it not follow, that we also were known by God before entering our mother’s womb? Many of God’s children resist the idea that we have a spirit body. Therefore, we could not pre-existed except in God’s mind. They teach that we have no spiritual body or pre-existence. The Holy Ghost is your trustworthy teacher. What does the Holy Ghost say to you?

Implied pre-existence can be found in a surprising number of scriptures when we are open to this possibility.

A state of death is associated with the unbeliever in the New Testament of the bible.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;  Ephesians 2:5

The Preacher believes that the first death was the separation from God. Therefore, being restored  to God’s communion and presence is known as salvation. Though we are alive in the land of mortality, we can be dead because we are cutoff from God. You can’t pass from death into life, unless you are in a state of death. Through Jesus Christ we may be restore and found acceptable to God and therefore alive. The spirit is an offspring of God, cannot die or in other words, cease to exist. The spirit is incorruptible because we are the offspring of God. The resurrected spirit body of man is also incorruptible. Think about the prototype, Jesus Christ for a better sense of our future permanent house.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.      Acts 17:29

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1 John 3:14 

Jesus, John and Paul described unbelievers as being dead. According to my dictionaries, the word, dead, mean to be no longer live. To put it another way, you must live first before you can be dead. It is necessary for life to exist before death can take place. Therefore, when you see a dead animal, bird or plant, there is no doubt in your mind that it was previously alive. Scripture teaches that the natural man is in a state of death, which implies that in some way, he was previously alive. Does this logic cause you to scratch your head?

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. Colossians 1:21

To repair a misunderstanding or a difference requires a past relationship. Can an alienation exist between those who never know one another? Supposing our lives started on earth in a state of alienation or death. We must have previously existed in a living state and had some relationship with our Heavenly Father. Consequently, the concept of living or death can certainly mean something other than what you might normally consider them to mean. Therefore, once again, we cannot be reconciled to God, unless we had previously known him and experience a relationship with him.

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5

We are talking about the sin of the conceived individual. Not, some sin of the mother. You surely wound not associate the act of procreation as a sin against the mother.

Where could this sin have taken place, except in a pre-existent time and place?

According as he (Christ) hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Eph. 1:4

Before the foundation of the world clearly places us in existence before creation.

The meaning of the word redeem is to buy back what one previously owned. You cannot redeem something that was not previously yours. Again we see clearly that redemption brings a person back to the status he previously enjoyed. We see that we were chosen by God before birth into our physical bodies.

We will take a fresh look at the book, John chapter 3, Jesus speaks about being born again. You may be surprised to learn that the phrases, “new birth,” and, “new life,” occur nowhere in the bible. Instead we find the words, “born again,” and, “resurrection.” Jesus was not referring to a repeat physical birth, but to a repeat spiritual birth. When we enter this world, we suffer spiritual death (loss of communion with God) because of sin during pre-existent. We must be born again into spiritual life (communion with God).

Jesus was without sin, and therefore did not experience spiritual death when he took a human body. For him, both physical death and spiritual death took place when he carried our sin and suffered on the cross. When we receive Jesus as our saviour, are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, then we are born again. Our spirit bodily, modified mortal body is yet to be resurrected. The spiritual resurrected body will have shape, occupy space, be animated and sustained by our individual spirit through the power of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father.

So we find that the words redemption, reconciliation, born again and resurrection, all cause the conclusion, we are returning home.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.                    2 Corinthians 5:1

Other versions of the bible seem easier to understand. Nevertheless, Paul is comparing our body to an earthly house that is temporary like a tent (tabernacle). We are told that after the destruction of our earthly tent (temporary) that we have a heavenly house (permanent) waiting for us that is eternal.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 1 Peter 2:11

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13

You can only be a stranger or a foreigner if you have come from somewhere else.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.     1 Timothy 6:7 

These words of Paul also imply both pre and post existence. To take something out implies going to another place or existence. To bring something in implies coming from another place.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  2 Corinthians 4:17 

Jesus suffered beyond our conception, when the unbelievable burden of our sins, cause the perfect communion with our Father to be broken. In varying degrees each member of the human race suffer a breach in their relation with our Father. Hopefully, all will return to perfect communion with him. The suffering of this life will seem little compared with the glory that will eventually come for all mankind.

Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?             Isaiah 40:21

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?  God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Matthew 22:32 

Mark 12:26-27

26  And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

27  He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

Luke 20:36-38

36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Matthew 13:35

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Matthew 25:34

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:26 

 Who (Christ) verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:20
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  Revelation 17:8 

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:20

Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?  why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10

If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14:14

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Job 38:7
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

The Preacher thanks you for reading this effort and pronounces a blessing upon you. He wants to leave you with this question. Who do you think the, “morning stars,” and, “sons of God,” are? Remember this was during the creation of this world. May the Lords angels keep you safe.

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