The 8th Day - Messiah Reigns

“With the Lord one day is as a thousand years,

and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8).

It will rest in that barrenness during the sabbath (7th) millennium (Lev. 26:34-35).

The events of The 8^th Day CANNOT take place during the 7^th millennium because:

I would be the first to agree. My understanding of the 8^th Day prophecies, is very difficult for mainline Christians to grasp - much less agree with.

First: They would need to understand that death is an unconscious sleep. In the first death, the soul or spirit exists only in the memory of God - in Sheol.

Second: They would need to understand that Jews (exclusively) will NOT rule the world under Messiah. The “Israel” of the promise is Israel Redeemed - the entire people of God, not exclusively those of genetic descent from Jacob. Because it’s not about DNA. It’s about faith.

Third: They would need to understand that this earth will be rendered desolate and lifeless by the last plagues. There will be no survivors, except those rescued off this planet by Christ at His return. The earth will remain uninhabited for a good part, if not all, of the 7^th millennium.

Fourth: They would need to understand that the persistently rebellious will be resurrected to face judgment and then eternal death at the return of Christ in glory. They will never be resurrected to live again.

Fifth: They would need to accept that the righteous will go with Christ to the Father’s House, which is Heaven itself. They will not come back 7 years later, as in the “secret rapture” doctrine. They will remain away from this earth for 1000 years (or for at least a good part of 1000 years).

Sixth: They would need to believe that the LORD’s redeemed are destined to be priests.

You’ve got a lot of guts - or curiosity, or just hunger to know, to get this far. If you skipped some of the studies leading up to this one, you might not understand how I came to believe in The 8^th Day.

These are “the rest of the dead” who were not resurrected at the Glorious Return.

5. Israel redeemed will serve as “a kingdom of priests” under Christ their High Priest.

When their army comes up to attach Jerusalem, fire from God out of Heaven, will consume them.

8. There will be a final review of the records - the Great White Throne Judgment.

9. Death and Sheol (the place of the dead) will be consumed forever, in the “lake of fire.”

I read these prophecies over and over for 30 years. I must have asked a thousand times:

“When will these things take place? They certainly did not happen in the past. They must describe a future age - the Kingdom of Messiah. But how do all of these prophecies come together - to perfect fulfillment?”

I feel the LORD has answered my questions. As you read through this study with prayer, try to picture the events of The 8^th Day.

The promises of return BELONG to Israel.

Believers are “grafted in” to Israel.

Unbelievers are “broken off” from Israel.

Those “in Christ” ARE Israel.

The prophetic books, from Isaiah to Malachi, include so many passages repeating the promise of healing, restoration, and of “return to the land” for Israel, that I cannot give the full text of each passage here. This is a major theme in the prophetic books. I will try to give highlights, with a list of references so that you can study this topic for yourselves.

A detailed event by event description is NOT the purpose of the prophecies. They give us a sweeping overview, with the promise of restoration to a perfect relationship with the LORD and eventual victory over all enemies. Each student is encouraged to read the full context of each passage given here.

Some of the prophets called the rulers of Israel to account for idolatry and gross violations of The Covenant - sins which cause forfeiture of the special blessing of the LORD. They warned of destruction and death or slavery, after the protection of God was removed from the land. Additional details were sometimes included regarding the devastation of surrounding nations, and even of the “whole earth.”

Prophets who wrote of destruction often included passages of hope, with promises of eventual return and restoration. Some even wrote of events which would take place after Israel was returned to the land.

Some of the prophetic books give details about the calling of the prophet, about his experience of persecution, or about things which happened during his captivity. Beyond these details, two main themes remain very clear in the writings of every prophet from Isaiah to Malachi: 1. Disobedience resulting in Destruction 2. Repentance with Return and Healing.

The promises of return for descendants of Jacob, were also prophecies of a much greater return to the land for the “whole” House of Israel - Israel redeemed.

In the prophecies of “return to the land” a picture is given which includes non-Israelites. I have highlighted references to them in blue, to make the point. There are non-Israelites living in and around Israel, after Israel’s final return to “the land.” Where these people come from, and what will happen to them, is the subject of this book - “The 8^th Day.”

Non-Israelites joined the Exodus from Egypt. (They were called “the mixed multitude.) Again, non-Israelites joined with the remnant of Israel, returning from Babylon. It should come as no surprise, that non-Israelites are described, living in and around Israel, after she is forever and finally returned to “the land” in the Kingdom of Messiah’s reign. I believe these people will be “the rest of the dead.” They will be resurrected to continue their lives so they may be informed concerning the Gospel and the things of God, so they may freely choose whom they will serve.

Isaiah 14:1 “For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land. The strangers will be joined with them, and they will cling to the house of Jacob.”

NOTE: All uncircumcised, non-Israelites were called “strangers.” So here we have “strangers”present with Israel returned to the land. And these “strangers” will cling to the house of Jacob, and will be joined with Israel.

Isaiah 11:11-16 “In that day the LORD shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left . . .” He “will assemble the outcasts of Israel,” and “gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” . . . “There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who will be left from Assyria, as it was for Israel in the day that he came up from the land of Egypt.”

The first recovery of a remnant, was the return from Babylon. The second return will be from “the ends of the earth.” In the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, the LORD brought back a very small remnant of His people from Babylon. This was the TYPE. At the Glorious Return, Messiah will slay the wicked (something not seen in the days of Ezra). He will recover ALL of Israel redeemed - from the four corners of the earth. He will return them to “the land.”

NOTE: We know the “saved” will stand on the “sea of glass” which is in Heaven, before the Throne of God. They will be removed from this earth to escape the last plagues. Exactly when they will be “returned to the land” is a subject of debate. It is possible the redeemed (the Israel of God which includes all believing Gentiles) will be returned part way through the 7^th millennium. It is also possible they will be returned at the end of the 7^th millennium.

Isaiah 35:1-10 Notice the context. The healing and return of the “ransomed”(v. 10) follows the general destruction of the earth and the nations. THEN “strangers” will be joined with them.

Jeremiah 16:14-21 “‘Therefore behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘that it shall no more be said, “The LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,” but, “The LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.” For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers.’”

Jeremiah wrote to the captives who had been taken to Babylon. He promised the LORD would end their captivity and bring them back to their land, at the end of seventy years. When Cyrus the Mede conquered Babylon and freed the captive Israelites, only forty-two thousand returned in the first wave. This number was far fewer than were set free by the original Exodus from Egypt, yet Jeremiah says the LORD will be praised and remembered more for this return, than for the original Exodus. Why would this be the case?

I believe the return of captives from Babylon was the TYPE - a living prophecy - representing the greater return when Messiah rules the earth. At that day, the “whole House of Israel” will be returned to “the land.” Included in this return, will be all of those resurrected from death. Included in this future return, will be all of the Gentiles who have been “grafted in” through faith in Messiah.

Jeremiah 23:3-8 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; . . .” A king called “The Branch of Righteousness” will come to reign over the earth. “‘Therefore, behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘that they shall no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them,’ and they shall dwell in their own land.’”

Jeremiah says they will no longer talk about the first Exodus from Egypt. They will talk about the last Exodus from “all the countries.” The first Exodus will seem minuscule, compared with the last Exodus.

The first Exodus followed plagues which all but destroyed ancient Egypt, the most powerful nation of that day. At the final Exodus, the trumpet judgments and the seven wrath plagues will completely destroy all life on planet earth (Rev. Chapters 8-9, 15-16). The final destruction of life on earth, will make the destruction of ancient Egypt seem like a mere historical footnote.

NOTE: The “return” resulting in the current nation of Israel does NOT fulfill this prophecy! 1. The dead are missing. There has been no resurrection.

2. Believing Gentiles are missing. They are “grafted in” to Israel (Romans Cpt 11).

The “return” of Jews to the land which became the modern nation of Israel following WWII was NOT an event brought about by miracles which rivaled those of the first Exodus from Egypt. We saw no plagues, no opening of a “red sea,” no water brought from a rock, no manna from heaven. We saw only a persecuted, war weary people fighting their way into a portion of the land promised to Abraham’s seed. The “Branch of Righteousness” does not reign. The lion does not lie down with the lamb. No! We must look to the future for a full and forever deliverance and return of “the whole house of Israel” to “the land.”

Jeremiah 24:5-7 The LORD promised to bring back a small remnant called the “good figs.” He would then give them “a heart to know Me.” [This is the New Covenant promise].

The number of “Israelites” delivered at the Second Coming will seem but few - a small remnant - compared with the total number descended from Jacob, or compared with the total number who have ever prayed in the name of Jesus. The “remnant” is the small portion that remains.

Jeremiah 30:3 “‘I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,’ says the LORD. ‘And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers . . .’”

NOTE: When Jeremiah wrote this prophecy, the LORD had already divorced the Ten Northern tribes (Jeremiah 3:8), yet here the LORD says that He will recover them.

There were faithful individuals even within those 10 tribes. The prophet Hosea was such a person. The descendants of those tribes - carried away by Assyria and dispersed throughout the whole region - may have lost any knowledge of the God of Israel. They may finally have lived in ignorance. Many students of prophecy believe that the Ten Northern tribes were “branches broken off” forever. I believe that many of these people will be raised at The 8^th Day and will then have the opportunity to learn of their Messiah. They can be “grafted in again” if they choose to serve Him as Lord.

Many believe the entire nation of Israel has been replaced by “the church.” I totally disagree. (See our study “Who are Israel?.”) While I do believe that most Hebrew descendants of Jacob were “broken off” from Israel, Paul said they can be “grafted in again” if they come to God through Yeshua Messiah. I do NOT believe the LORD has entirely rejected Israel from being His chosen people, much less that He has replaced Israel with a group called “the church.”

New Gentile believers are “grafted in” to Israel (Romans 11). They become Israelites. They become “partakers” of the promises and the covenants of Israel. The “Israel” of the return prophecies will be made up of believing Israelites (from Jacob to our present day), along with Gentile converts “grafted in” through faith in Yeshua Messiah.

Many unbelieving Jews came, (and still come today) to faith in Yeshua (Jesus). Paul was such a man. He was “broken off,” and was then “grafted in again” when he came to believe. There is only one “way” to the Father. That way is Jesus Christ. I personally believe that most - from both Israel and Judah, were broken off “because of unbelief.” Only a small “remnant” was (and is) grafted back into the Tree with the holy “Root.”

Exactly where Gentile believers are “grafted in” (into which tribe) I do not know. There are 12 gates into the city. There is no gate labeled “Gentiles Enter Here.” New believers must be assigned to a tribe before they can enter The City. We do know that we are grafted into “the greater commonwealth of Israel” - the Olive Tree (Ephesians 2, Romans 11) - because Christ is the holy Root of that tree (Col. 2:6-7).

Jeremiah Chapter 33:7-18 “And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will rebuild those places as at the first.” They will be “a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble.” A descendant of David will reign, and will “execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.”

The picture is presented of Israel and Judah together again, their dead resurrected, healed and restored, while “all the nations of the earth” see this and “tremble.” This scene takes place after the last great resurrection (the resurrection of “the nations”) which takes place 1000 years after the Glorious Return (Rev. 20:5).

Many are presently teaching that the LORD is fulfilling this prophecy through the geopolitical nation today called “Israel.” They say the LORD has resurrected Israel, and they await the Coming One - the Son of David, who will rule the nations from Jerusalem. I believe such teaching is preparing the way for Antichrist. The “little horn” WILL rule the nations from Jerusalem. He WILL fulfill many of these prophecies, and he WILL “deceive, if possible, the very elect.”

Jeremiah 50:19-20 “‘But I will bring back Israel to his home, And he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan; His soul shall be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days and in that time,’ says the LORD, ‘The iniquity of Israel shall be sought, but there shall be none; And the sins of Judah, but they shall not be found; For I will pardon those whom I preserve.’”

When the remnant of Judah returned from Babylonian captivity, the LORD did not pardon all their sins. And today, the citizens of the present nation called Israel have not been especially pardoned by the LORD (unless they belong to Christ). At present, the State of Israel does not acknowledge Yeshua as Messiah, or as Savior. How can the LORD bless and protect a nation of people who continue to deny His Son? Conclusion: The fulfillment of this prophecy is yet future.

Jeremiah 32:37-41 Gathering - then an everlasting covenant is made with those who return.

Jeremiah Chapter 31 Ephraim (a name for the 10 Northern tribes) will return to Zion (v.6). After they are returned to the land, Israel and Judah will enter into a “new covenant” with the LORD. The outcome of this covenant - “they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.” “For I will remember their sin no more.”

Again and again we see that a new “everlasting covenant” is made with redeemed Israel, in the land, AFTER she has been gathered.

At the last Passover, Yeshua said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” His death would bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise - a gathering, healing, and restoration of the people of God - called “Israel.”

Ezekiel 11:13-20 The Lord would watch over the remnant who survived the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. He would gather them, and would give them the land of Israel. THEN he would “give them one heart” and would “put a new spirit within them.”

Ezekiel 36:24-28 “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. THEN I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

There is a sense in which all believers still need to experience full cleansing of their minds - a true cleansing rather then simply a forensic or symbolic one. Such healing will take time (a thousand years perhaps). Such a cleansing will necessitate a much fuller understanding of the whys, and the ways of the LORD. Even present believers need to experience this fullness of His Spirit. During our lives in physical bodies, we have not experienced this “fullness.” In this sense, the prophecy would apply to all believers. Those who look to Yeshua as Savior, ARE Israel. The resurrection, return and healing is for them.

Many are teaching that the current State of Israel is the result of “resurrection” with “return.” National and economic prosperity have followed. Israel has been rebuilt. They argue the “resurrection” of Ezekiel 37 was an unconditional promise of national resurrection. “Israel is returned to the land,” they say. Only the awakening to Yeshua as their Messiah is left. I disagree! All of Israel has NOT been returned to “the land.” The “land” promised to Abraham extended “from the river of Egypt to the River Euphrates” (Gen. 15:18). The current State of Israel occupies only a fraction of “the land promised.” Where are the dead? There has been no literal resurrection. There has been no unification of Israel with Judah - no recovery of those lost to Assyrian deportation. This teaching ignores the LORD’s clear promise that reward is tied to covenant obedience. He does NOT bless those who ignore or reject Him. He promised curses. Surveys have shown that only around half the Jews living within the present State of Israel, believe that God exists. Only a tiny fraction believe that Yeshua was/is the Son of God, and Messiah.

Ezekiel 36:33-36 “. . . On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities I will also enable you to dwell in the cities and the ruins shall be rebuilt” (v.33). “THEN the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate” (v.36).

Ezekiel 28:25-26 “WHEN I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am hallowed in them in the site of the Gentiles, THEN they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.”

Ezekiel 34:11-30 AFTER the LORD has brought his sheep back to their own land, He will set up “one shepherd over them” - a descendant of King David. “I will make a covenant of peace with them.”

Ezekiel 37:12-14 “Therefore prophesy and say to them, thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, Oh my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up from your graves, and will bring you into the land of Israel. THEN you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, Oh my people, and brought you up out of your graves, I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land; Then you shall know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, says the Lord.’”

Ezekiel was told concerning the dry bones,“these are the WHOLE house of Israel.”

The very recent return of living biological descendants to the present State of Israel does NOT fulfill the prophetic vision given to Ezekiel.

1. The very recent “return” does not include the WHOLE “land” promised to Abraham’s seed

“from the river of Egypt to the river of Babylon, the great river Euphrates” Genesis 15:18)

2. The recent “return” does not include “the WHOLE house of Israel.” The majority of Jews still live outside the boundaries of “the land” promised to Abraham.

3. The dead are missing. Joseph, Jacob, Aaron and so many more are missing. The prophet Daniel would be included in this prophecy. He never left Babylon. He was told, “for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

5. The vast majority of those who have been “grafted in” through Messiah are missing. The State of Israel does not allow “Christians” to immigrate, regardless of Jewish descent.

I have done my best to demonstrate the impossibility of life on planet earth during the 7^th millennium. See the study: “Millennium.”

I have explained why I do NOT believe the “return” of biological descendants to the current State of Israel, fulfills the prophecy of return for the “whole house of Israel” - including all those who “died in faith,” and all “grafted in” Gentile believers.

I have explained that the cleansing and consecration process for the Temple, the Mount and the priesthood, will take “seven days” and “with the LORD a day is as a thousand years” (2Peter 3:8) . See studies: “An Ancient Prophecy” and “The Change of the Priesthood.” The Temple of the Messiah’s Kingdom will not be ready until The 8^th Day - the 8^th millennium. The consecration for the priesthood of that Temple will not be completed until The 8^th Day. (See Lev. Chpt.14; Exo. 29:37, 44; Eze. 43:26-27; 2Chron. 29:17.)

Ezekiel 37:15-27 The LORD will gather the children of Israel. Judah and Israel will be joined into one kingdom - never to be separated again, with one King - from the line of David (v.24). The Lord will then make an everlasting covenant of peace with those He has gathered (v.26). “My Tabernacle also shall be with them; . . . The nations also will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel, WHEN My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.”

The Temple of Yahweh will be restored in the midst Israel, which will thrive in the midst of “the nations.” We see Israel returned to the land, restored in the midst of “the nations,” who KNOW (who see - because of this) that the LORD has indeed chosen Israel. “The nations” is a term for Gentiles, or non-Israelites.

NOTE: Ezekiel (a captive in Babylon) was shown in a vision. The “whole house of Israel” was resurrected, gathered and returned to the land (Ezekiel 37:11). Then the prophet was shown “a city,” and “a temple.” The Temple shown to Ezekiel has never been built. Ezekiel’s Temple measures 210 feet high. The technology for such high rise building did not exist in his day.

Ezekiel 20:40-44 “All the house of Israel” - “all of them in the land” will serve the LORD GOD “on My holy mountain” (v.40). “I will accept you as a sweet aroma” (v.41). “I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles” (v.41).

I believe the “Gentiles” will be “the nations” who are raised to life at The 8^th Day. They will be “the rest of the dead” who “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (Rev. 20:5).

Remember. The offerings and sacrifices of the Tabernacle were symbolic - acted prophecy. Through Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers - forty times - the words “sweet aroma” refer to the smell from something sacrificed. A “sweet aroma” referred to a sacrifice offered with humility and sincerity. When the LORD says, “I will accept you as a sweet aroma,” what does He mean? Isaiah speaks of “all your brethren” brought to the Lord “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD” (Isa. 66:20-22). In these passages, living persons are presented to the LORD “as an offering.”

I believe that Christ will present the redeemed to His Father as His offering, just as He presented Himself as the Lamb of God - the“sin offering,” and as the “Firstfruits” offering on the morning of His resurrection.

NOTE: An animal for sacrifice became “acceptable” on the 8^th Day from its birth.

Isaiah 2:1-4 “And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains [great kingdoms], and shall be exalted above the hills [lesser kingdoms]; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say, ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:’ for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

Jehovah’s House (kingdom) has been established above all other kingdoms. This means that Christ has come. These events take place AFTER the Glorious Return of Christ. Growing up, I was taught that the wicked will be raised in “the second resurrection” at the 8^th millennium, to be judged and then annihilated. But here we see “peoples” (non-Israelites) going up to the House of God, where they expect that “He will teach us his ways.” Their desire is to “walk in his paths.” Doesn’t sound like the scenario I learned years ago.

Isaiah 2:1-4 [Continued] And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (ASV) (See also Micah 4:1-2.)

NOTE: The involvement of “many peoples” is obvious. These “peoples” are NOT Israel. “All nations” flow up to Jehovah’s house. “He will judge between the nations.” This is the Kingdom of Messiah on the earth after “the rest of the dead” have been raised.

Haggai 2:6-9 “For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; [at the Glorious Return] and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts . . . ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

Here again we have a prophecy with a dual application. The presence of Christ in the rebuilt Temple of Herod’s day, did bring “glory” to that House. But there has been no peace, as yet, in Jerusalem. For this, we must look to Messiah’s kingdom on earth.

Gentile kings will bring riches to Jerusalem to beautify the House of Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3; Isaiah 60:13-14). Except for the East gate, the gates are always open. The Mountain (kingdom) of the Lord will be established. Many “nations shall flow to it” (Micah 4:1-8). This wording tells us that Messiah will rule over the nations, which must come to Israel for instruction concerning their own respective laws.

Amos 9:11-12 “‘On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ Says the LORD who does this thing.”

NOTE: The name translated as “Edom” can just as reasonably be translated “Adam” - meaning mankind. A remnant of mankind will come to God through Christ, the legal heir to the “Throne of David.” The Gentiles who “are called” by the name of Jesus, will be the possession of the LORD.

The New Jerusalem measures 345 miles on a side and 345 miles high. It is enormous - compared with Ezekiel’s Temple. Of the Holy City, John wrote that he “saw no Temple in it, for The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple” (Revelation 21:22; 22:1,3).

When sin is completely cleansed from the earth - when all mankind (all those left) are perfectly reconciled to the Father - there will be “no Temple”- just God and the Lamb (Rev. 21:22). From this, we understand that the Temple of The 8^th Day Kingdom, Ezekiel’s Temple, will be another temporary House.

The people raised at The 8^th Day are not yet ready to enter directly into the presence of “the One who sits on the Throne.” They still need a buffer - a place where they may approach the LORD, while they are shielded from His glory. They will be raised in mortal physical bodies, not with the immortal spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:50 “Now this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

Ezekiel 44:5 & 9 Only those circumcised in heart AND in flesh may enter this Temple.

Joel 3:17 “Jerusalem shall be holy, and no aliens shall ever pass through her again.”

CIRCUMCISION OF THE FLESH will take place for the redeemed, when we are “changed in a moment” on the day that Christ returns in glory (1Cor. 15:51-52). The mortal “flesh” will be gone, when we will receive immortal spiritual bodies (1Cor. 15:44, 1Thess. 4:16-17).

Joshua led the people across the Jordan River, which rolled back as a scroll. Then he “circumcised the people” (Joshua 5:3). All those born in the wilderness, had not been circumcised since the day they were turned back to wander for 40 years. This was the TYPE. Yeshua (Jesus) will lead His people across the sky, “rolled back as a scroll.” And He will “circumcise” His redeemed people. Corruption will put on incorruption - the mortal for the immortal. Physical bodies will be exchanged for spiritual bodies.

CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART is the work of Christ by His spirit. This change is a process which will culminate in “the land” - at The 8^th Day - with the “new covenant.” He will forever write His law on our hearts (Ezek. 36:23-27; Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:10; Deut. 30:4-6).

NOTE: Many of those raised to life at The 8^th Day, will come to know Christ as LORD. These also will be circumcised in heart, and they will receive immortal “spiritual” bodies, which will allow them to “enter the city.” As Paul wrote, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable” (1Co. 15:50 NAS).

Ezekiel Chapter 47 In his vision of the Temple to be built, Ezekiel saw a stream, “flowing from under the right side of the Temple, flowing south from the threshold toward the East.” The stream became a river which was to deep to cross. The river divided again and again, and where these rivers flowed, everything came back to life (v.9).

“And it shall be that every living thing that moves, where ever the rivers go, will live.”

Joel 3:17-18 “A fountain shall flow from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Acacias.”

Zechariah 14:8 “And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the Eastern sea and half of them toward the Western sea, in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be –‘The LORD is one, and His name one.’”

Revelation. 22:1 The “River of water of life” will flow from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Psalm 104:30 “You send forth Your spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.”

Water is employed in Scripture as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We are “sprinkled” with it. We are “baptized” in it. We “drink” of the “water of life.” And we are “washed” in it.

John 4:10 & 14 “ . . whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Revelation 20:5 “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”

They did not reject Christ during their lifetimes, because they did not know about Him. These are the uninformed - ignorant of God and of His Son. They may have died as children, or have been mentally compromised, or simply have lived in a place or at a time when the LORD was unknown. These will live again - at The 8^th Day. These will be taught by Christ and His redeemed priesthood. These will be given the opportunity to choose the Son of God as their Savior and LORD and King. This is just! This is right.

To transport a small child immediately into the Kingdom of God, is unjust. That child did not choose to be there. He did not choose to serve God. He was never tested. How would the LORD guarantee his continued harmony with God and the redeemed, without some manipulation of his mind? Our God does not manipulate human beings of any age! If He will use manipulation, then He should have used it in the first place - with Adam and Eve, and skipped this whole painful mess.

AT THE SECOND COMING

THE REDEEMED - Given everlasting life

THE WICKED - “Cut off” & left to die in the plagues

THE IGNORANT - Remain asleep in death until The 8^th Day

Revelation 11:15 “Then the 7^th angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever!”

Daniel 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (NIV)

Zechariah 6:13 “Yes, He shall build the temple of the LORD. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”

“The counsel of peace shall be between them both.” The Son of God has become High Priest and King over Israel - on the earth, just as Melchizedek was priest and king of Salem (Gen. 14:18). The Son of God shares the throne of His Father. He is “a priest” on His [Father’s] throne. “The counsel of peace” is now between the Father and His Son.

Revelation 3:21 [Christ speaking] “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

He will be the Priest-King, just as Melchizedek was “king and priest of Salem” (Gen. 14:18).

Their consecration complete, they will be ready to serve at The 8^th Day (Lev. 9:1).

They will govern the nations as “kings and priests” under Christ their King and High Priest.

Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

The text of Revelation 20 does not say whether the 1000 years refers to the 7^th millennium or the 8^th millennium. I believe they will reign during the 8^th millennium because they will not be ready to govern and teach “the nations,” immediately following their resurrection at the Glorious Return. They will need preparation and consecration.

Revelation 5:9-10 [The 24 Elders sing.] “For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made [are making] us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

NOTE: The words “have made” are in the aorist tense - signifying an ongoing process. The 24 elders will reign on the earth. They are not reigning - yet.

Revelation 2:26-27 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – He shall rule them with a rod of iron.”

Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,

A STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT

Messiah the King

The 12 Disciples

The 24 Elders of Revelation

The 144,000.

All of Israel redeemed - Now “priests of God and of Christ”

Ezekiel 44:23-24 The priests who serve in the New Temple, will judge, decide disputes, and teach the law (Lev. 9:1, Exo. 29:35, Lev. 8:33-35, Deut. 21:5, Deut. 33:8).

Isaiah 61:4-9 “And they [the returned] shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Strangers [non-Israelites] shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers. (See Isa. 14:1-2.) But you shall be named the priests of the LORD.”

Isaiah 61:4-9 [continued] “They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, [the inheritance of the firstborn] And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant [The New Covenant].

Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, [the nations] And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the LORD has blessed.”

NOTE: These CANNOT be Levite priests, because the Levites were to have “no inheritance in the land” much less a “double” portion.

NOTE: This was a dual prophecy. Israel did “return” and rebuild their city, but they did not possess twice what the Gentile nations had of material things. They were blessed with the presence of Christ Himself! This was indeed a “double honor.” They did not “eat the riches of the Gentiles.” They were conquered by Greece, by Rome, by the Ottomans, and then by the British. The final and complete fulfillment of this prophecy belongs to the Kingdom of Messiah on earth, at The 8^th Day.

Obadiah 20-21 “And the captives of this host of the children of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites . . . Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”

NOTE: I believe “the saviors” to come, will be the “priests” who will govern under Christ. They will judge the nations - including “the mountains of Esau.”

Many passages suggest the presence of non-Israelites on the earth, AFTER Israel has been returned to the land. They are called “strangers,” “aliens,” “Gentiles,” “peoples,” or “the nations.” I believe these are the “rest of the dead” who will sleep through the 7^th millennium, to be awakened in the last great resurrection at The 8^th Day.

Isaiah 11:1-10 The “Rod from the stem of Jesse” [Jesus] will slay the wicked [at His Glorious Return]. Then “the wolf will dwell with the lamb” and “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD.” This “root of Jesse” [Yeshua Messiah] will “stand as a banner to the people;” and “the Gentiles will seek Him.”

Here the “Gentiles” seek the LORD, in the same kingdom where the wolf dwells with the lamb. This is the Kingdom of Messiah on the earth.

Isaiah 66:18-21 [After the destruction of v. 15-17] “For I know their works and their thoughts: the time cometh, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and shall see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them [those raised first] unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations. And they shall bring all your brethren out of all the nations for an oblation unto Jehovah, upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith Jehovah, as the children of Israel bring their oblation in a clean vessel into the house of Jehovah. And of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, saith Jehovah.” (ASV)

WOW!! He will gather all nations and tongues. Then He will set a sign among them. Human beings with spiritual bodies, ruling with Christ - now that WILL be a sign!

Those who “escape” from the nations who fought against Israel, will be those Gentiles who were converted to Christ. The LORD will send back as “a sign” (a witness) to people of their own nations, who have not yet heard the Gospel. Imagine being sent to your grandparents, 30 generations back - to tell them about Jesus.

These witnesses will then bring many “brethren” to Christ. These will be presented to God - like an offering - as “fruits” of a harvest. Some of the people won to God, will even themselves become priests. Wow!!

(Also compare Zechariah 3:7-8: The “companions who sit before” Joshua the High Priest, will be “a wondrous sign.”)

Ezekiel 36:33-36 “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. So they will say,`This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.' Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

The desolate land will become like the garden of Eden. This did NOT happen in the days of Ezra, when the captives returned from Babylon. The “nations which are left all around you” will see and KNOW that the LORD has done this! This has never happened!

Ezekiel 28:25 “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘WHEN I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, AND am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles, THEN they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob. And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God.’”

NOTE: In our study of “Gog and Magog,” we will consider the “judgments” which the LORD will “execute” during The 8^th Day millennial Kingdom of Messiah.

Consider the slave, kidnaped from home and land, who then died in the stinking hold of a slave ship. Consider the young child in Samaria - sacrificed to Baal, or the young child in New York City abused by a parent, dead by the age of seven. What will become of these human beings? They did not live long enough to choose the LORD, yet our God is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). Every human being must have the opportunity to choose Him. That is only just. Whole nations have lived and died without ever knowing the God of Israel or His Son. I believe these will be resurrected and then given time to know Him. Only when “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue and people” can “the end” truly come (Matthew 24:14).

Every human being must have the opportunity to choose Him.

Every human being must be tested.

That is just.

This requires a resurrection.

This requires time - for maturity and education.

This is The 8^th Day

Zechariah 2:11 “Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.”

Jeremiah 16:19-21 [Verses 14-15 describe the promised return of Israel to the land.] “The Gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth . . .” “I will cause them to know My hand and My might; and they shall know that My name is the LORD.”

Isaiah 66:18 “It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see My glory.”

Zechariah 2:1-12 Jerusalem will be inhabited as a “town without walls” (Ezek. 38:11) because of the multitude (v.4). [There will be so many.] “The LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land and will again chose Jerusalem” (v.12).

Isaiah 2:1-3 “And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.” (ASV)

Zechariah 8:20-23 “Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities; The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD, and seek the LORD of hosts. I myself will go also.’ Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, (Yeshua Messiah) saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Jeremiah 12:14 “Thus says the LORD: ‘Against all My evil neighbors who touch the inheritance which I have caused My people Israel to inherit–behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them. THEN it shall be, after I have plucked them out, that I will return and have compassion on them and bring them back, everyone to his heritage and everyone to his land. And it shall be, if they will diligently learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ . . . then they shall be established in the midst of My people.’”

* * * The evil neighbors of Israel will be plucked out, and then later returned to their lands. And if they will learn the ways of Israel and the LORD, then “they will be established in the midst of my people.” * * *

A large number of mixed blood and other slave peoples fled Egypt, following Moses to the Mountain of God. These people sojourned with Israel. They were the first to complain. They were first to return to idol worship (Exo. 12:28, Num. 11:4).

In the prophecies of “the nations” who are resurrected at The 8^th Day, (“the rest of the dead”) the picture is presented of a “mixed multitude.” They are living on the earth with Christ reigning from Jerusalem, with Israel “returned to the land,” and just as in the first Exodus, the mixed multitude (“the family of Egypt”) are the trouble-makers.

Zechariah 14:16-21 “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

“Everyone who is left”- will go up to worship the King. Isaiah 11:11-16 speaks of the “remnant of His people who are left.” Ezekiel 36:33-36 tells of “the nations which are left all around you.” And here we have “everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem.” Obviously a remnant (of His people) is “left” after the LORD “cuts off” the unrepentant from Israel. And many “are left” of “the nations” (non-Israelites). Those left from “the nations” will be “the rest of the dead.”

“And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth [raised at The 8^th Day] do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.”

“If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain [Holy Spirit]; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

Here we have the scene - AFTER the Glorious Return, AFTER the 7^th millennium.

“Everyone who is left”- will go up to worship the King. All the nations are invited to come up to Jerusalem, to worship the LORD. Some will come up. Others will refuse. The term “family of Egypt” refers, I believe, to “the mixed multitude” of this greater Exodus. Their hearts are still in Egypt - still loving their idols, their sin and their Pharaoh (Satan).

The LORD has “sent” His “sign posts” to the nations, to help them find their way. From every nation, kindred and language, those raised in the “first resurrection” have been sent back to their kindred nations, to witness for Christ.

“The nations” (non-Israelites) are invited to go up to Jerusalem, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Anciently, Gentiles were invited only to this Feast - not to Passover or Pentecost. The Water Ceremony, performed during the Feast of Tabernacles WAS a prayer for rain. In Scripture, water always represents the Holy Spirit. Those of the nations who will “not come up,” will not receive this outpouring of the Spirit - and they will be deceived by Satan, wh ois loosed from the pit at the 8^th millennium.

1. The 8^th Day will be the 8^th millennium from the sin of Adam and the fall of man.

2. The redeemed - delivered at the Glorious Return, are now consecrated and will serve as priests and kings - under Christ, to govern and teach “the rest of the dead,” who will be raised at the 8^th millennium.

3. Israel redeemed (which includes all believing Gentiles grafted in) will be returned to “the land.”

Those raised to life at the 8^th Day, will constitute “nations in the four corners of the earth.”

7. The priesthood of Israel redeemed, will serve as the government under Christ.

8. Many of the redeemed will be sent back to their families, clans, tribes, and nations to witness for God our Father and Messiah Yeshua - His Son.