… and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. (Rev 1:16-18)
The picture of royal authority and magnificence is further amplified by the shining sun-like light emanating from the Son of Man. In Mathew 17:1-2 at the transfiguration event of Christ similar description was used. There we read,
“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.”
The difference between the book of Revelation and the Matthew’s account is simple – in the gospels Jesus’ transfiguration is a temporary glance, but in the Letter of Revelation it is permanent. So overwhelming was the vision of John that he found himself on the floor struck and paralyzed with fear. This is what happened to the disciples at the appearance of the cloud during Jesus’ transfiguration. The hand of the Son of Man quickly touched John and the words of comfort followed. The Son of Man told him not to be afraid, since he was once dead, but now is alive forever. Not only that, but the ultimate authority over death itself and the entire kingdom of darkness now belonged to the resurrected Son of Man (the keys of death and of Hades were now in his hand).
Holding keys to a particular domain is a clear sign of ability to exercise authority connected to that domain. Keeping doors closed or opening them always restricts or allows access. During this time in Jewish religious though we see many references to this general idea. In Matt 16:19 Peter is promised the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 23:13 Jesus speaks of Pharisees and Scribes not entering the Kingdom and keeping others locked out as if they had the authority and ability to do so. In Luke 11:52 parallel the Pharisees have taken away the “key of knowledge” so people cannot enter. In 3 Baruch 11:1-3 Michael the archangel is described as holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven,
1 And the angel took me and led me thence to a fifth heaven. 2 And the gate was closed. And I said, Lord, is not this gate-way open that we may enter? And the angel said to me, We cannot enter until Michael comes, who holds the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; but wait and thou shalt see the glory of God. 3 And there was a great sound, as thunder. (3 Baruch 11:1-3)
Not only the Kingdom of Heaven has gates that can be locked and unlocked, but also the Kingdom of Hell (Hades), the underworld has gates as well (Mat 16:18). A Midrash ascribed to Rabbi Akiva cites this tradition,
“In that hour the Holy One, blessed be He, takes the keys of gēhinnōm and gives them to Michael and Gabriel before the eyes of all the righteous, and says to them: Go and open the gates of ḡhinnōm … Forthwith Michael and Gabriel go and open the 40,000 gates of ḡhinn̄om”.
Jesus as the resurrected Son of Man, one whose face radiates God’s glory has the authority and control not only in heaven, but also in Hell (Hades). A passage often mistakenly published in the appendix of Josephus’ writings that was written by Hyppolitus of Rome (beginning of 3rd century CE) explains about the idea of the Hades as understood by him,
“Hades is a place in the world not regularly finished; a subterraneous region, wherein the light of this world does not shine; from which circumstance, that in this region the light does not shine, it cannot be but there must be in it perpetual darkness.” (Discourse on the Greeks concerning Hades, Dissertation V, 1).
In the light of this popular idea that hades are associated with deep darkness, it makes perfect sense that the face of Jesus shines like the sun at its strength (vs.16). Moreover, it is understandable why John is told not to be afraid.
Lastly, Jesus calls himself the first and the last possibly referring to the Alpha and Omega title. But he is also the risen one, the one who is alive right now. One can see the three aspects (past, future and present) in this symbolic statement. This phrase is similar to the skillfully veiled reference of יהוה, the one “who is and who was and who is to come” in Rev.1:8-9.
“That is not true,My beloved brother,……”
“Whatever you have been listened or read from any books about My God WILL DESTROY all false religions,There are totally misunderstood,…..”
“Because our father in Heavens,Our “God” loves us all,And choose us all not for obtain his wrath but to obtain his Salvation,Our “God”” | [“God”the Father,”God”the Holy Spirit,”God” the Son”‘] as oneness “God”,(blessing be “My “God””,you alone we worships,No one else above you,If “My “God”” wills,”My “God”” good wills,”So be it”,If My God said so,”So be it”,Blessing be “My “God””,)
Our “God” is Same “God” in Sefer Torah of “Judiasm” (The word , Yehudah,Yehudym the words those most people translated as Jewish But the definition is whom praise Lord , “As religion of those who praise “My “God””(worship “My “God””) as name of religion ),
Our “God” as Same “God” in Bible of Christianity(Name of “My “God”” “Christou” or “Christ” as name of religion) ,
And our “God” is same “God” in l-Qur’an of l-salam(i) ((“My “God”” said)”The Peace of me” (l-Salami) as religion,Peace as Salvation as Redemption in this life and in hereafter,rebirth in Heavens,life in Heavens and towards Eternal Salvation as religion),etc.) ,
However,you may have chances to watch(ed) news from TV,medias like CNN or from internet,
About Da’esh and ISIL Levant (If you study history you may know location of ancient Babylon ,the location was Western of modern Iraq and some parts of modern Syria altogether,)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon
And in Holy Books of “My “God”” when refered to city or nation both in positive and negative cantonation ,mostly in feminine,
For example, city of Tzi-yown, or Yeruelshaliem (From word Yerual”Found,establish”+el”God”+shaliem”Peace”) Found(ed) (by) “God”,Peace,
Parable mostly refered in feminine , “She and dwellers daughters of Tzi-yown (There are refered as parable ),
Because in fact, we know the truth that about dwellers and population of that city , have Gentlemen amoung population too,(Not 100% ladies population) , Are you follow,sir ???
So Babylon and the word she”refered to city or nation against Peace established by Da’esh”,
There was same area that “a nation against Peace that Da’esh established” which by now today, There is not exist anymore,
(But still have some cities those remnants of Da’esh have activities but a nation against Peace established by Da’esh today,ii is not exist anymore, )
Because “My “God”” intend to delivery help to his people, By remove hands those made(make) his people sorrow out of his people, “Deliverance” his people by remove hands those made(make) his people sorrow out of his people,
“My “God”” works in mysterious ways,
Indeed,Because “My “God”” love us all, This is Truth and Truely , truthful , (Amen),
(But no intention such TO DESTROY ALL FALSE RELIGIONS or any such destructive intention,)
However,If you want to read Book of Revelation 1st copy manuscript (original is with “My “God”” in Heavens but same as oiginal is 1st copy with English translation 90-95% correct,With Karaoke language Just sense of humor,sir.(I mean inter-literature for pronunciation),)
Please try this one my beloved brother,1st copy manuscript with 99.999999999% translation correct,
And before you read it , Please allow me to say something,My beloved brother,”FIND RIVER THROUGH THE RAIN”,
https://www.dukhrana.com/peshitta/index.php
DOWNLOAD D.S.S. font (Dead sea scroll font for Aramaic block script Aramaic Galliean dialect which “God” the Son during 1st Advent spoke)
However works of 4 Evangelical and book of acts , Original in Western Assyrian Aramaic (which most people said it was Western Syriac Aramaic,But you know what, during time of Jesus Christ ,during “God”the Son 1st Advent, There was no nation name Syria yet But Assyrian only that was existed in that time, ^^ .”
(So Aramaic Galliean dialect (Aramaic block script)”Gallilee” and “Western Assyrian Aramiac” “Pe-shit-ta” or “Du-kha-nan” )
And from Gospel (l-nijeeli) (Bible) Mattai (Matthew) Chapter 5 verse 5:3 and 5:9
Mattai definition “Gift(s)”
5:3 “Blessesness those who humble in Spirit,Because they shall be called , there is “Kingdom of Heavens””,:
5:9 “Blessesness those who make Peace,”(the) Peace-Makers”, Because (beloved)son(s),(beloved daughters,beloved children) (of) ((my) “God”),(his “beloved family”),(they shall be called),:
And “blessedness those who not mix their believe with falsehood”,
And send blessing,”My “God”” upon you and Peace,Peace gloriousness and joy,Happiness,well-beings,good wealthy,good healthy,good fortunes,no bad fortune,
And again,before you read it , Please allow me to say something,My beloved brother,”FIND RIVER THROUGH THE RAIN”
“My “God”” love you and “WE” love you, ^^
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/revelation/22.htm
Apokaypsis Revelation Chapter 22 verse 22:1 to 22:17
22:1 And he showed me “River of water of life” “potamon udatos zōēs” clear as crystal going forth out of the throne of (my) “God” and of the Lamb
22:2 In the midst of the street of it and of the river on this side and on that side “Tree of life” “xulon zōēs” Producing fruits “twelve” according to month each yield the fruit of it and the leaves of the tree for healing of the nations
22:3 And any curse not will be any longer and the Throne of “God” and of the Lamb ” ἀρνίου “,”arniou”
22:4 And they will see the face of him and the name of him on the foreheads of them
22:5 And night not will be there and not they have need light of “Lamb” and of light of the sun because Lord “God” enlightens above them and they will reign to the Ages of the Ages
22:6 And he said to he these Verses faithful and true and the Lord,the “God” of the Spirits of the prophets sent the Angel of him to show the servants of him(believers of him) the things which must come to pass in quickness
22:7 And behold I am coming quickly,Bless he who keeps the Verses of the prophecy of the book this
22:8 And I,”John”(“Yōannēs”) (John said) he who hearing and seeing these things And when I heard and saw I fell down to worship before the feet of the Angel who (was) showing me these things,
22:9 And he says to me “Look , (Please) (do) not (do this), (I am just “My “God”” his servant) , (“My “God”” his) followers (his believers) (as well as) you , I am , And the (sisters) (and) brothers (of) you,the prophets ,and those who keep the verses (of) the book these , “(All of us) to (“My “God”” alone),we (shall) worship”,:
22:12 “Behold I am coming quickly and the reward(s) of me with me to give to each as the work is his”,
22:13 “I,the Alpha and the Omega,the first and the last,the beginning and the end”
22:14 “Bless(ed) (to) those that do wash the cloths of them (make white in blood of the Lamb), that shall be the rights of them to the “tree of life” “xulon tēs zōēs” and by the gates they should go in to the city”
22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say,””Come” and he (she) that hears,let him (her) say “Come”,And he(she) thirsts let him(her) come as he(she) wills “let him(her) take “water of life” “udōr zōēs” freely”,
“”My “God”” pour down water of life,water of lives,water of Spirit Holy,from the Heavens”.
“There are “My “God”” his good wills,lovingkindness,morality & virtues,his favors towards all in New Heavens,New Earth”.
“And gathering all drop of water beneath the Heavens,”
“There are good wills,lovingkindness,morality & virtues from all those who humble in Spirit,make Peace and do righteous deeds,the moral excellence,those who know “How to love”,his “helping hands””,
“The water of life,water of lives,water of Spirit Holy that nourished all plants and sustained lifes of all”.
“For our foods for eat our water for drink”.
“Gathering into the river”
“Blessing be “My “God”” that he show us “River of water of life” clear like crystal that come forth out of Throne of “My “God”” and of the “Lamb”” in most high above 7th Heavens,
“And both sides of river of water of life, There are , “Tree(s) of life(s)” that yielded 12 fruits and the leaves of them that heal the nations“.
“The leaves of them are the works of hands that deligently in Peace-making and doing righteous deeds,”
“May you shall be strengthen with “My “God”” his Spirit Holy,”
^^
“My “God”” love you and “WE” love you, ^^
I have always understood from scripture that Hades/Sheol and Gehenna are two separate places, the latter referring to the Lake of Fire. But Rabbi Akiva’s madras seems to run contrary to this. Would anyone care to comment?
Two aspects call my atention in this reading: one, the shinning light of the face of Jesus and His holding of the keys.
I recently heard a very interesting proposal along the lines of the Transfiguration. Couldn’t it be posed that it was not Jesus who Transfigured Himself,ie, changed in appearance, but that He revealed Himself as He is to the disciples who were up to that moment incapable of seeing Him as He really Is? Then, Jesus may have transfigured them in order for them to be able to see Him as He really is.
The proposal is very interesting because in fact the apostles wanted to stay in their new place which language may suggest that in fact they felt they were actually somewhere else with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. I also add my own contribution which is that these two biblical figures were the only ones in Scripture that actually saw God face to face.
On the second point, the holding of the keys is related with many of Jesus preachings. His continuous mention of Him being the door, the stair, the Way in reference to road, the One who pardons sin and the Liberator of the people of Israel are akin to being the One who holds the keys. He is also the Giver of the keys of Heaven to Peter. So authority is in Him. 12 timss He says in John,s Gospel I Am.
If topic is about talking about 12 Keys to enter Heavens of “My “God””.
For benefits of believers of “My “God””,
And if anybody believe and find benefits from this message,
If possible ,please give thanks to “My “God””,love My God as My God love us and love each other,love ones another,
Please do good towards My God and towards each other and otwards ones another as expression of unselfish love,unselifsh lovingkindness,
And if possible after do good to them, if you can tell them after do good to them that “My “God” love them and you love them,
If you can do that,
“WE” will very very appreciate,
With my humility,
This is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY,
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/revelation/22.htm
Apokalypsis Revelation Chapter 22
22:1 And he showed me “River of water of life” “potamon udatos zōēs” ” יאוֹר “”Ye-O-Wr” “River” (YehOWAwh) ” (I will find “This “River”” through the “rain” “this River of water of life”) clear as crystal going forth out of the throne of (my) “God” and of the Lamb
22:2 In the midst of the street of it and of the river on this side and on that side “Tree of life” “xulon zōēs” Producing fruits “twelve” according to month each yield the fruit of it and the leaves of the tree for healing of the nations
22:3 And any curse not will be any longer and the Throne of “God” and of the Lamb ” ἀρνίου “,”arniou”
22:4 And they will see the face of him and the name of him on the foreheads of them
22:5 And night not will be there and not they have need light of “Lamb” and of light of the sun because Lord “God” enlightens above them and they will reign to the Ages of the Ages
22:6 And he said to he these Verses faithful and true and the Lord,the “God” of the Spirits of the prophets sent the Angel of him to show the servants of him(to believers of him) the things which must come to pass in quickness
22:14 “Bless(ed) (to) those that do wash the cloths of them (make white in blood of the Lamb), that shall be the rights of them to the “tree of life” “xulon tēs zōēs” and by the gates they should go in to the city”
And “Blessedness to those who not mix their believe with falsehood” ,:
With my humility,mutual respect towards all,
With high and most reverence respect towards “My “God”” and “My “God”” his holiness,
With Remembrance which give thanks to “My “God”” whom beloved,
With good wills,lovingkindness,morality & virtues towards “My “God”” and towards all,
Please allow me………
Actually, during 1st Advent , “My “God””,”God”the Son”” (himself),(who glorify his Heavenly Father(“God”the Father) and glorify Spirit Holy,”God”the Holy Spirit”)
Told his 12 Apostles,that “My “God””(“God”the Father+”God”the Holy Spirit”+”God”the Son” altogether as oneness “God””)
will give of the keys of to enter 12 gates of Heavens to his 12 apostles including beloved brother “Kep-pher” (that was My God called beloved brother Kep-pher,(that most people called him brother Peter or brother Petros ) (in Aramaic Kep-pher definition rock or stone,In Hebrew “Kep=pher” difinition “forgive” (singular musculine)) .
So even today,present day, Beloved brother “Kep-pher” have been promoted to other position, Because of his good deeds,righteous deeds, that made him deserves his promotion,off course,
But however,approximately 50-60 years ago, (In fact,approximately, 53-55 years ago to be precise, (If my memory serve me right,) (If feast of trumpets as “1st day of year in calender”,)
About 50-60 years ago,before he have been promoted for other postion,
Beloved brother “Kep-pher”,He was Angel those who guard “Gate Atonement” , “reflection of virtue of forgiveness” , That is 1 of 12 gates to enter Heavens (to enter 3rd to 7th Heavens) which located at in front of Heavens,in front of 3rd Heavens to be precise,
As well as other 11 of Apostles, all of them once in this Eternal life time with “My “God””. all of them ,ever been served as Angel those who have(had) been in charged and guard(ed) 12 Gates to enter Heavens,
“Definition of names of 12 Apostles of My God all of them nothing occur by randomly,But represent virtues of those who have rights to enter the Heavens according their good deeds and their righteous deeds before rebirth in Heavens,”
And those virtues 12 virtues in Kabbalah which Angels in Heavens were practicing and still practicing and will practice , (Tree of life 12 virtues .)
There are 12 keys to enter Heavens, for “My “God”” his believers those who humble in Spirit,(have reverence respect to “My “God”” & worship “My “God””),And off course,most of them , make Peace,do righteous deeds more than committed sins,,
(Why for My God his believers only for easy understanding for explanation,)
If good people do good deeds,according to their good doing,(And not committed sins) ,
After life they mostly will go to Heavens,according to there good doing,As basic laws of most Heavens of all good religions,
But,but,but,but if that person,not worship “My “God””,
There is no guarantee that those persons will rebirth in Heavens “Of “My “God””,)
May be they may rebirth in Heavens of some good religion(s) for easy understanding,
So again, if the topic is talking about 12 Keys to enter Heavens of “My “God”” specifically, (Not Keys to enter Heavens of other good religion(s) or key(s) to enter Hades ???)
(For the explanation about virtues of believers of “My “God””, keys to Heavens, According to the laws of “My “God”” his Heavens which “My “God”” as creator of his Heavens established,)
(Before rebirth in Heavens, Sins (from account of sins of that person) shall be put on LEFT SIDE of scale, And good deeds,(from account of good doing of that person) shall be put on RIGHT SIDE of scale,)
And if equal in weight , sins will be remove,As well as equal weight of good deeds,
If sins become ZERO and still have good deeds left, And those good deeds represent virtues of the gates of Heavens,(which all 12 virtues related mostly what “My “God”” made known to his believers about Peace-Making and doing righteous deeds in lot of his Holy Books,)
(That mean that person before resurrection, made Peace and did righteous deeds more than committed sins, For easy understanding,)
And send blessing , “My “God”” upon you and Peace ,Peace gloriousness and joy, happiness well-being,good wealthy,good healthy,good fortunes,no bad fortune,
Peace,gloriousness and joy,
“MY “GOD”” LOVE YOU and “WE” LOVE YOU,
Thank you very much for your time reading this message, ^^
Wow….. Just des covered this site. Loving the debate, insight and scholarly study. Very much looking forward to further reading, study and understanding as I too search for truth.
Thank you to those who make this information available and accessible –
I wish you well in this day if life
Welcome to Jewish Studies for Christians! Dr. Eli
Yeshua said: you know neither the Scriptures nor the powers of God and again he said you worship who you do not know we worship who we know.
I have read your comments and this is what I shall tell you in truth as to what revelation reveals. She has fallen Babylon the Great has fallen. The Almighty God through his son Yeshua will destroy all false religion on earth as it is His judgement on them in that He disapproves of their worship. Just as Elijah exposed the false religious teachers in his day who worshipped Baal God will also expose world’s religions.
It is easy to put different interpretations on scripture but our God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace. All scripture is inspired of God and the ones who know the true interpretation of Scripture are inspired by God through His ruach hakodesh or holy spirit.
Ok. After searching through some other resources, I see your point. Thanks.