REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY LESSON 2
WHAT AND WHERE IS HEAVEN?
ARE “THE SAVED” IN HEAVEN?
WHAT AND WHERE IS THE KINGDOM?
STATE OF THE DEAD: IS THERE AN EVER-BURNING HELL AND WILL WE BE SPIRIT OR PHYSICAL?
As we begin our second lesson on Replacement Theology, we all need to realize that this whole world has been deceived by Satan. What does that mean to us personally? It is one thing to be told a lie, and an entirely different thing to live a lie, especially if our eyes have been opened to the truth. Those who reject truth and the author of truth will find themselves in danger of the judgment.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
We should all be very grateful for the truth and be diligently trying to be obedient to it. One of the great lies of Replacement Theology is we only need grace to save us, yet if we don’t strive to keep the law the best we can, Paul says we will not enter the Kingdom of Yahweh.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Galatians 5:21 Envying’s, murders, drunkenness, raveling’s, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.
As I listen to people talk about what they believe, it is obvious they have never really studied very hard for themselves, but are all too willing to believe what other people tell them is the truth.
Five years ago, after I left the “corporate church”, I decided to start all over again with a series of bible studies that I have been sharing with all of you. I have tried to make these studies void of past “church culture” and influence and just stick with what scripture says on any given subject. This has been a great blessing for Vicki and myself. It has proven to be a great refinement, much like bringing a telescope into a better focus. The clearer our spiritual sightedness is, the better equipped we are to deal with the even greater deceptions that lie just ahead.
There seems to be a lot of confusion even among Torah, Sabbath, Set Apart Day Keepers about what is the State of the Dead and the reward of the saved. In this lesson we will cover the following:
- What is Heaven?
- Where is Heaven?
- Are the Saved in Heaven?
- What is the Kingdom of Yahweh?
- Where is the Kingdom of Yahweh?
- What is the State of the Dead?
- Where Are the Dead?
- Is there an Ever-Burning Hell?
- Will we be Spirit or Physical in the Kingdom?
Before we begin, let’s review the basic rules of Bible Study. The Scriptures interprets Scripture. One Scripture does not make a doctrine. It is the preponderance of clear, easy to understand scriptures that we should rely on for doctrines. The hard-to-understand scriptures can be misleading or poorly translated. Some scriptures have been added or changed to fit Catholic or Protestant doctrines. It is not hard to search these out in the historic record.
We will begin by defining these basic topics and then go to the verses using them to better understand their meanings.
Heaven represents a very real place, but does that mean that it is the reward of the saved?
Strong’s #8064 samayim – heavens, heaven, sky. Old Covenant Definition.
First, samayim is the usual Hebrew word for the “sky” and the realm of the sky.” This realm is where birds fly.
Deuteronomy 4:17 …the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, Absalom’s hair was caught in the branches of a tree,
II Samuel 18:9 …and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
I Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of Yahweh stand between the earth and the heaven,
Second, samayim – this word represents an area farther removed from the earth’s surface. From this area comes such things as frost. Job 38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and of the hoary frost heaven, who hath gendered it. Snow –
Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: Hail –
Joshua 10:11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that Yahweh cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Third, samayim – also represents the realm in which the sun, moon, and stars are located:
Genesis 1:14 And Yahweh said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
Fourth, samayim – the phrase heaven and earth may denote the entire creation.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning Yahweh created the heaven and the earth.
Fifth, samayim – heaven is the dwelling place of Yahweh.
Psalm 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Messiah shall have them in derision.
Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that Yahweh he is Elohim in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath:
there is none else. Another expression representing the dwelling place of Yahweh is the highest heaven (literally the heaven of heavens). This does not indicate height, but an absolute – i.e. His abode is a unique realm not to be identified with the physical creation:
Deuteronomy 10:14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Yahweh’s thy Elohim , the earth also, with all that therein is.
Please note that in this long definition, there is no mention of any humans in heaven or heaven being the reward of the saved.
A brief summary of this long definition is heaven represents 5 different locations:
1.Where the birds fly.
2. The firmament just above the first heaven.
3. The realm of space where the planets and stars exist.
4. The general expression for heaven and earth.
5. The dwelling place of Yahweh and His throne.
New Covenant definition: Strong’s #3772 – Ouranos – heaven, sky, air, means the all-embracing heaven beneath which is the earth and all that is therein. Where the fowl of the air fly, clouds are suspended, the rain is formed, the sun moon and stars are placed.
The residence of Elohim is called “the holy heavens” where the angels are (Mark 13:27), from whence Yahshua descended – where after His resurrection He sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, and appears in the presence of Yahweh on our behalf.
The heavens are used for Yahweh in the Old Covenant. and in the same sense in the New Covenant. It is a syn. Of the Kingdom of Yahweh.
(Wresting the scriptures again) (II Corinthians 12:2) Paul was ruptured to the third heaven and returned. This is called Paradise
II Corinthians 12:4) which is applied to the state of the faithful souls between death and the resurrection where they are admitted to immediate communion with YAH in Messiah, and to a partaking of the true Tree of Life which is in the midst of the paradise of Yahweh (Luke 22:43 and Revelation 2:7).
(More wresting) There is a final heaven which Hebrews 11:16 refers to as a better or heavenly country, in Hebrews 13:14 as a continuing city; and in Revelation 21:2 the Set Apart city, new Jerusalem. It is the place where the believers are going to receive their inheritance which is incorruptible –
I Peter 1:3-5, Matthew 6:19-21, I Corinthians 2:9, Colossians 3:2 and Revelation 21:1-5.
Strong’s #3770 – ouranios- heavenly host of angles, a heavenly vision and celestial and heavenly. Luke 2:13
Strong’s #2032 – epouranios – heavenly or celestial, what pertains to or is in heaven, the heavenly One. The meaning of this word is determined according to the various meanings of heaven, celestial bodies, the heavenlies, in heaven, the lower heavens, the sky or air. The Kingdom of Heaven. Things pertaining to the Kingdom of Yahweh.
Strong’s #3771 – ouranothen – heaven then add the suffix meaning from a place, from heaven.
Again, in this long definition, there is not clear reference that heaven is the reward of the saved and that we will be spending eternity with Yahweh in heaven. There are some verses that have been wrested to represent mainstream Protestant theology beliefs. This is called “proof-texting” or Replacement Theology. Let’s look at these few verses that are wrested and taken out of context to fit mainstream Protestant theology.
II Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of Yahshua.
II Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Messiah above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: Yahweh knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
II Corinthians 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: Yahweh knoweth;)
II Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
The context of these verses is a vision or revelation – not a literal resurrection to eternal life in heaven.
I Thessalonians 4:16 For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in Yahshua shall rise first:
I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet Yahshua in the air: and so, shall we ever be with Yahshua.
These verses do not describe a rapture. They describe a resurrection (the first resurrection). The word rapture is not found in scripture. Verse 17 states we shall ever be with Yahshua. That is true, but where is Yahshua going to be and where are the resurrected saints going to be?
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Yahshua, and for the word of Yahweh, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Messiah a thousand years.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and set apart is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of Messiah and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Revelation 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon Yahweh, they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
Psalm 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
These verses make it pretty clear that the destiny or reward of the “saved” is not a location called heaven, but rather a Kingdom located on earth.
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven; from where the Saviour for whom we are waiting will come, even the Master Yahshua Messiah:
Philippians 3:21 By whom this poor body of ours will be changed into the image of the body of his glory, in the measure of the working by which he is able to put all things under himself.
Philippians 3:20 is used to say that our citizenship is in heaven and that is where we will be going. We are told to come out of the world that we are to be in it but not of it.
John 17:14 I have given your word to them; and they are hated by the world, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:15 My prayer is not that you will take them out of the world, but that you will keep them from the Evil One.
John 17:16 They are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
As expats, our citizenship is in the U.S. We are subject to the laws of the U.S. yet we do not reside there. Likewise, we are subject to the laws of His Government, yet we do not reside in heaven.
Mathew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
This shows that we are under the law and authority of Heaven, yet we live on earth.
Who is in heaven?
Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Yahweh our Elohim .
This is another poor translation. There are no people in heaven. The original Greek says multitude. This multitude is described in Heaven as:
Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their head’s crowns of gold.
Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thundering’s and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of Yahweh.
Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Set Apart, Set Apart, Set Apart, Master Yahweh Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Acts 7:55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking intently into the heaven, he saw the glory of Yahweh, and Yahshua standing at the right of Yahweh.
Acts 7:56 And he said, Behold, I see the heavens having been opened, and the Son of man standing at the right of Yahweh!
Mathew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven continually look on the face of My Father in Heaven.
There are many verses that talk about the multitude of angels that are in heaven. None of those verses ever say there are people in heaven, but just the opposite.
John 3:13 And no one has gone up into Heaven, except He having come down out of Heaven, the Son of Man who is in Heaven.
Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.
Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that Yahweh had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Yahshua to sit on his throne;
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Yahshua, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
The word “hell” here needs to be covered as a separate topic. The point is David is not in heaven – who was a man after Yahweh’s own heart!
The saved are not in Heaven. So, if the saved are not in heaven, where are they and what is their reward and where is their reward? The saved, like the sinners, are asleep until the resurrection – just as Yahshua was resurrected.
I Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Yahshua died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Yahshua will Elohim bring with him.
I Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of Yahweh, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of Yahshua not prevent them which are asleep.
I Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Sleep – Strong’s #2837 means dead.
John 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
John 11:12 Then said his disciples, Master, if he sleeps, he shall do well.
John 11:13 Howbeit Yahshua spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
John 11:14 Then said Yahshua unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
They know nothing while they are dead until they are awoken at the resurrection.
The reward of the saved is Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Yahweh. This is the true message that Yahshua taught – not going to heaven. We have already covered Revelation.20:4,6 Revelation 2:25-27, Revelation 5:10, Psalm 37:11 all showing the saints will rule and rein with Yahshua on the earth for 1000 years.
So, let’s look at a few more scriptures talking about our reward and millennial rule. When Yahshua returns to the earth, it is to rule over the nations of the earth as King of Kings!
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of Yahweh, and of His Messiah; and he shall reign forever and ever.
Micah 4:1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Yahweh shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
Micah 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem.
Micah 4:3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah 4:4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of Yahweh of hosts hath spoken it.
Micah 4:5 For all people will walk everyone in the name of his Elohim , and we will walk in the name of Yahweh our Elohim forever and ever.
Micah 4:6 In that day, saith Yahweh, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;
Micah 4:7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and Yahshua shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even forever.
Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Zechariah 14:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
Zechariah 14:9 And Yahweh shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Master, and his name one.
Zechariah 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Zechariah 14:17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
Zechariah 14:18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith Yahweh will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Zechariah 14:19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
There are many prophetic millennial scriptures that plainly show Yahshua is going to rule on the earth with the saints and that the whole world will be keeping the Sabbath and the Holy Days.
Next time we will cover “is there an ever-burning hell. What and where is hell. Lazarus and the Rich Man, and Will we be spirit or physical in the Kingdom?
