NOGe

WHO WAS RIGHT?

If we remember back some 500 years to the laws of YAHWEH, we were told if anyone looked at the ark they would be killed. Page 322, time . Only the high priest could enter and look, and then only once in a year and with great preparation. David told the people to look and live, not die as they did 500 years before. David ordered the women to be included in worship too, and that was against the law of Moses. The equality of women in relation to worship was totally revolutionary. Much singing of praise and thanksgiving, and use of musical instruments were brought into worship of God as David appointed some 288 singers to praise the LORD. Page 323, time .

IN THE NAME OF THE LAW

David commanded the Gentiles to participate with the Israelites because EL ELYON is the God of all nations, whereas YAHWEH is the God of Israel. Gentiles were not allowed to worship at Moses Tabernacle. All these changes were brought to the people and it seems all enjoyed and benefited from them. Page 323, time . But remember, 500 years before, all those things were against the law that God gave to Moses. Page 322, time . In other words, God changed His rules as Israel’s concept of God changed.

BACK TO YAHWEH

AT SOLOMON’S TEMPLE

However, some 40 years later, King Solomon, son of David, returned the nation of Israel back to the concept of YAHWEH. Page 323, time . He brought the Levites back to Jerusalem. The ark was placed in the temple constructed by Solomon. The laws, precepts, and order of religious worship was reinstituted under the YAHWEHISTIC concept of God (II Chronicles 5:5). Israel left the mercy David taught them through his concept of the name/nature of EL ELYON. Page 323, time . Our present day churches seem to follow the pattern of David and Solomon ‑- YAHWEH replaces EL ELYON. There is probably a reason why.

BUILD AND MAINTAIN

A STANDARD CHURCH

When our goal is to build a structured religious society, then we must use the laws of YAHWEH. It seems that all groups write their law book by going back to the concept of YAHWEH, where His laws were the outstanding characteristics. These external laws are used to maintain unity and conformity within the structure. However, EL ELYON’S laws originate within the heart of the individual. God said He would write His laws in our hearts and in our minds. If responded to, this will cause the mature individual to walk and live in the spirit of the law, resulting in a life of agape love that brings true harmony with God and people. However, trying to live by externally imposed laws, or the letter of the law as given by YAHWEH, has not, and will not, bring people to the goal of genuine unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It will only build or maintain the structure.

The summary of the matter is given by Paul in Romans 7:10 when he stated:

Romans 7:10, And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. (KJV)

Also:

Hebrews 8:7, For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. (KJV)

Also:

Hebrews 8:13, In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (KJV)

And finally:

Hebrews 7:12, For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. (KJV)

NORTHERN TEN TRIBES

LOST TRIBES OF ISRAEL

Following Solomon's death, the nation divided into two kingdoms, the north and the south. Rehoboam, son of Solomon, became king over the two southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin (II Chronicles 10:16). Page 323, time . He brought the Levites down from the north and back to Jerusalem to continue the concepts of the YAHWEHISTIC religion. At nearly the same time, Jereboam, son of Ephraim, became king over the ten northern tribes. He led the people into idolatry. Page 323, time . They were later taken into captivity by King Senacharib of Syria around 726 B.C. Because we are studying the Names of God, not idolatry, we will not bring these 10 lost northern tribes into our consideration any further. Page 323, time . Later the two southern tribes that remained in Jerusalem under YAHWEHISTIC concepts were captured by Nebuchadnezzer and taken to Babylon as recorded in Daniel 1.

RETURN TO EL ELYON

WHILE IN CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON

EL ELYON was once again brought to the mental concept of Israel by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego while in Babylonian captivity. Page 324, time . Upon the occasion of refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzer's golden image, the three were thrown into the fiery furnace and found to be walking alive and untouched among the flames. The king, astonished by the sight, called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the “servants of EL ELYON (the Most High God).” He ordered them to come forth out of the furnace. This Gentile king continued to have revelation of the concept of EL ELYON (the Most High God). His testimony was clearly stated several times in the book of Daniel. He knew, and declared to the world, that there is a God named EL ELYON who rules in the kingdom of men. EL ELYON gives dominion to whomsoever He will. There is none like unto Him. The story of Daniel in the lion’s den contains all of the very same elements we have just seen in the story of the three Hebrew children. Page 324, time .

The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzer did not have a YAHWEHISTIC concept of God because YAHWEH is the God of Israel. EL ELYON is the God concept of the other nations. But Daniel had a concept of God as EL ELYON (the Most High God) as stated repeatedly in the book of Daniel. Page 324, time .

While in Babylonian captivity the Jews could not keep the laws of YAHWEH because they related to the land and the temple. In captivity, the religious Jews had to change their concept of the name/nature of God from YAHWEH to EL ELYON. Page 324, time .

However, some 70/150 years later many of the Jews returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the wall, and eventually the temple. Page 324, time . Ezra opened and read the book of the law of Moses before them. Subsequently the Jews again left the name/nature of EL ELYON and returned to the name/nature of YAHWEH.

JESUS CHRIST

As we continue to review history, we now come to the time when God no longer spoke to His people through the prophets but, at this point, He then revealed Himself through His Son, JESUS CHRIST (Heb. 1:1-2). Page 325, time .

Hebrews 1:1-2, God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (KJV)

We are told that JESUS CHRIST is the exact expression of God that is to be seen, and the expression to which we are to be conformed (Heb. 1:3; Romans 8:29). God did show Himself in the way He now desires for us to see Him. There can never again be any doubts as to the name/nature of God by which we are to know Him and reflect that image to others. JESUS is the One!

JESUS is to be called the Son Of EL ELYON (the Most High God) (Luke 1:32).

JESUS was a priest after the order of Melchisedec who was a priest of EL ELYON (the Most High God) (Hebrews 7). Page 325, time .

EL ELYON is the concept of God known by the Melchisedec priesthood (Genesis 14:18).

After the resurrection of JESUS, we are told in several passages of the scriptures that JESUS ascended to the right hand of EL ELYON (the Most High God) (Heb. 1:3).

A new "religion" was again brought on the scene. The concept of God was EL ELYON, this time clothed in flesh for all the world to see. The new temple was not of brick and mortar, but the bodies of God’s people. The new law is being written by the Spirit of God upon the hearts and minds (entrails) of the believers. JESUS brought mercy not sacrifice. There was equality of women and inclusion of the Gentiles. Page 325, time .

Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in CHRIST JESUS. (KJV)

Music, singing, and thanksgiving all became part of the vital expression of the name/nature EL ELYON.

Ephesians 5:18-20, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ. (KJV)

LOOSE YOUR JOB?

Will the people of God now presently receive this concept of God and live in that Light? Page 326, time . The structured religious hierarchy of JESUS' day could not. In John chapter 11 it is recorded that they feared if JESUS continued they would lose their place (job)! Page 325, time .

John 11:48, If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place (job) and nation. (KJV)

That’s probably the real reason for the trouble JESUS had with the Jewish leaders. He was a threat to their job security and their structure. “The Romans will come and take away our place.” The Jewish leaders seized upon the differences between the name/natures of YAHWEH and EL ELYON and used them to bring a wedge between JESUS and the other Jews. Page 325, time .

Yet, many Jews did receive the concept of EL ELYON. On the day of Pentecost the power of EL ELYON came upon 120 people who were gathered in an upper room (Luke 24:49). Within days, the number had grown into the multiplied thousands. Page 325, time .

PETER ACCEPTED THE GENTILES

In 41 A.D., moving into the concept of the name/nature of EL ELYON, Peter went down to the house of Cornelius where Gentiles were gathered waiting to hear the Word of God.

RACIAL PREJUDICE

This association of Jews with Gentiles was prohibited under the concept of Israel's God YAHWEH. Page 325, time . Peter’s visit to the home of the Italian resulted in the acceptance of the Gentiles, because they, too, received the Holy Spirit, as did Jews on the day of the Pentecost. They heard them speaking in tongues on both occasions (Acts 10-11). Peter realized that God was doing a new thing in the earth! The old YAHWEHISTIC concepts would not allow Jews to keep company with Gentiles. A new concept of the name/nature of EL ELYON (Most High God) was necessary. Page 325, time .

PAUL WAS NOT A BIGOT

A few years later in 52 A.D., certain men from Judea began to erroneously teach the Gentiles that they, too, must live under the YAHWEHISTIC laws of Moses and be circumcised in order to have favor with God and the Christian church. Therefore, Paul went before the council in Jerusalem to dispute the matter. In Acts 15, (Page 326, time ) Peter, and then Paul, began to relate all that God was doing in relation to the Gentiles. They told how the Spirit was being poured out through the gift of tongues upon all, Jew and Gentile, men and women. Then James stood up and declared that what was happening was the restoration of the Tabernacle Of David, as prophesied in Amos 9:11. Thus, the concept of EL ELYON which broke down racial barriers at the original Tabernacle Of David was once again in operation. EL ELYON was again breaking down racial barriers, this time in the lives of the apostles. Page 326, time .

TOO HOT FOR PETER

But in 58 A.D., Peter returned to a concept of YAHWEH. Page 325, time . Paul stated in Galatians 2:12 that out of fear, Peter withdrew himself from eating with the Gentiles when certain men of the YAHWEHISTIC circumcision came to town. Because of Peter's influence, Barnabas and others were also led back to the laws of YAHWEH. Mixing law and grace was referred to as the “gospel of the circumcision.” Page 325, time .. The other “gospel of the uncircumcision” was given to Paul while his concept of God was EL ELYON (Gal. 2:7). Page 326, time .

Galatians 2:4-13, And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus (through EL ELYON), that they might bring us into bondage (of YAHWEH):

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision (from EL ELYON) was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision (from YAHWEH) was unto Peter;

8 (For ELOHIM [he] that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same [ELOHIM] was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (KJV)

FIGHT, FIGHT

Because of Peter’s racial discrimination against Gentiles, Paul gave a verbal uppercut to Peter’s jaw. Are you disturbed to find that we have had denominational fights from the very beginning of Christianity?

PAUL GOOFED, TOO.

Paul wasn’t so perfect either. Only two years later, Paul also returned to the concept of YAHWEH when he returned to Jerusalem. Page 326, time . He was warned twice by the Holy Spirit to not go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4, 11). The Christians pled with Paul not to go (Acts 21:12). In his determined self-will, Paul demanded that he would go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:13).

Upon his return to Jerusalem, James and the elders stated how many thousands of Jews believed (on JESUS) but they were all zealous of the law of YAHWEH (Acts 21:20). Page 326, time . . The church at Jerusalem had a big attendance by then. The offerings were big. The apostles of JESUS CHRIST told Paul to do what they said unto him (Acts 21:23). The Holy Spirit had said, “don’t go.” Paul chose to obey the apostles rather than the Holy Spirit. The apostles told Paul to not rock the boat. Were church elders always led by the Holy Spirit? No. Even the apostles goofed.

Paul was told by the apostles to pretend he kept all of the YAHWEHISTIC laws of Moses by taking a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:2-7). Along with four other men who had really taken vows, Paul entered the temple and signified the accomplishment of the days of purification by offering a blood sacrifice (Acts 21:26). Paul didn’t really take a Nazarite vow. There wasn’t time to accomplish it. Paul, the apostle who eloquently warned us to not return to the law, fraudulently did just what he preached against. He even applied the blood of animals to his rebellion. Hey Paul. How about the blood of JESUS? Page 326, time .

Next, Paul was bound by his enemies, and never, ever, released.

Right there it looks like Paul may have made an irreversible mistake. Let's pray that we do not do that.

Peter and Paul returned to YAHWEH and the law. Page 325, time and page 326, time .. Our trusted leaders took us first to the mercy of EL ELYON, and then later abandoned us on the church steps of the justice of the law of YAHWEH.

THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RETURNED TO THE LAW OF YAHWEH

We are all products of the actions and concepts of our "roots" (those who have gone before us). The structures of present day Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and Judaism have all been built and framed by the concepts embraced and personified by the religious pillars of the first century. Page 326, time . The people of that day could not remain in the light, life, love, and mercy of EL ELYON. They were too heavily influenced by their past religious structure which once again returned them to the laws of YAHWEH. The result was a mixture of law and grace in their lives. They left us with a mixture of law and grace that still controls the present day church. The Bible calls that mixture of law and grace the “gospel of the circumcision” (Gal. 2:7).

Over the centuries, the church has maintained that same "mind set" for the most part and continued with a YAHWEHISTIC concept of God. Judaism, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism have embraced the YAHWEHISTIC concept of God, with precious few exceptions. Page 326, time .

THE CHURCH IS NOW

RETURNING BACK TO EL ELYON

However, the day has dawned when EL ELYON is once again inviting us to be participants in the restoration of the Tabernacle Of David. Page 326, time . EL ELYON is reintroducing Himself to the concept of many of His people. We are being given the opportunity to come to the same concept, knowledge, and awareness of EL ELYON that JESUS had. Following in His footsteps we shall also become priests after the order of Melchisedec, priests of EL ELYON (the Most High God).

Whenever our God starts a new religion on the earth, He changes His name. Page 326, time .

DIFFERENCES

Q. That reminds me ‑ your tape lesson entitled EL ELYON THEN AND NOW probably cleared up more things for me than anything else in my whole religious experience, up to now. I would say that the teaching of the Names of God has been a religious experience within itself. Page 326, time .

A. I surely don't want to start up a new denomination, or a new religion. I'll admit that I've received more letters expressing that basic idea than I have received concerning anything in my 30 years of full-time public ministry. It looks like something is up. Page 326, time .

A serious study of the MELCHISEDEC ORDER Chapter 26, must also include a study of:

· EL ELYON Chapter 21, and

· EL ELYON, MOST HIGH GOD Chapter 22, and

· KNOWING FROM EL ELYON Chapter 23, and

· EL ELYON, MOST HIGH GOD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Chapter 24, and

· EL ELYON, THEN AND NOW Chapter 25,

because there’s a lot to learn about EL ELYON and MELCHISEDEC.

Some subjects in those chapters have been reviewed and/or abbreviated for this chapter. Some have not. Some subjects in this chapter are new and unique. The index should be a big help.

MELCHISEDEC ORDER

Have you joined the MELCHISEDEC ORDER? You should look into it. They say it’s great. JESUS joined, you know. I’ve heard that you get to meet some real famous and important people if you join. The only trouble is that the membership fees will cost you everything you have. Some people have paid with their whole lives. That’s pretty costly, so we had better look at it very carefully.

There must be a lot of great benefits because JESUS joined. But if it costs that much, can it be worth it?

Let’s study the Melchisedec Order to see.

There is a spelling problem:

· Old Testament -- MELCHIZEDEK

· New Testament -- MELCHISEDEC

MELCHISEDEC

The study of Melchisedec is both very simple and very complex.

Melchisedec is complex because he was so extraordinary in his life, purpose, and results. Very few Christians believe that the story is real. That means that the promises to us are often completely ignored by modern Christiandom. That is a Christian tragedy.

A SIMPLE STORY

The story is simple because of the fact that there are only three (3) scripture passages that tell us anything about Melchisedec, they are:

1. Genesis 14:17-24

2. Psalm 110:4

3. Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1, 10, 11, 15, 17, 21

SIMPLE GODLY ORDER

Hebrews 7:21, The LORD sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec) (KJV)

JESUS became a priest (was made a high priest) after the Order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 6:20, made an high priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

Hebrews 7:11, If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the Order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the Order of Aaron? (KJV)

PRIESTLY ORDER OF AARON

Aaron received his law and Order from his knowledge of the name/nature of YAHWEH, but JESUS received his law and Order from His knowledge of the name/nature of His Father EL ELYON (Most High God). There is a big difference between the two Orders and between the two name/natures of the one God.

Almost every Bible student has tried to reconcile the God of love, mercy, and peace with the God who hardens hearts, wounds, and kills whole nations of people. You don’t even have to be a Bible student to think about that question. Almost everyone has. Perhaps this will help because it all depends upon which Order you are in.

WHY US?

Long ago, before the foundation of the earth, our God chose a group of Spirits to go from heaven to earth, and do His will at the end of this present age. His will is for them to help people adapt to the changes at the beginning of the new age. He gave them His grace, and purpose, and script. Now they are here to do His will, not their own will. The conflict between His will and their own will accounts for most of their present problems. A group will overcome the last enemy -- death.

This is very important to us because the people who do overcome the last enemy, death, will become priests after the Order of Melchisedec who was a priest of EL ELYON (the Most High God). JESUS did it and He encouraged us to stand as candidates to do it, too.

Most of the present religious systems in this world have understandings of the name/nature of God as YAHWEH (the God of Israel). YAHWEH brings law, judgment, condemnation, punishment, and death, through the Order of the Aaronic priesthood. That means the Old Testament. Most of us who have been involved in religious denominations know that those systems of religious thinking bring war, not peace. It is no wonder that the world is in the present mess.

The New Religion that our God is establishing at this time will have a consciousness of the name/nature of God as EL ELYON (Most High God). They will be led by the Spirit of EL ELYON (Most High God), not exclusively by the law of YAHWEH, the God of Israel, and they will lead the world into peace.

The whole book of Hebrews relates to the changes of the law that take place as God changes His name/nature.

THE LAST ENEMY -- DEATH OF THE BODY

The Christian who wants to overcome the last enemy, which is death, desires to know God as JESUS knew Him. JESUS became a priest after the Order of Melchisedec, who knew God as EL ELYON, the Most High God. JESUS and Melchisedec entered the EL ELYON priesthood through the power of an endless life. Those who overcome the last enemy -- death -- will do it the same way. They will enter an endless life here on this earth. They won’t wait to go to heaven. They will bring heaven to earth. They will have a balanced knowledge of all of the names/natures and attributes of God. They will walk in that knowledge, and they will be priests of EL ELYON (the Most High God). They will live, and love, and bring heaven to earth.

THE POWER OF AN ENDLESS LIFE

The subtitle to our lesson is THE POWER OF AN Endless Life. We are not talking about dying and going to heaven. Many churches teach you that eternal life is to live in heaven after you die. That Church teaching is true for the Spirit but it is not true for the Soul and the Body.

YOUR SPIRIT WAS SAVED

Your Spirit has already come into eternal life because of what our LORD JESUS CHRIST did. The Spirit is that part of man that returns to heaven if a man dies.

Ecclesiastes 12:7, Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (KJV)

YOUR SOUL IS BEING SAVED

How many said “yes,” to JESUS, but how many still get stupid thoughts? Yes! We all do. We were saved! Even after we give our hearts to JESUS, we still get some pretty dumb, stupid, ignorant thoughts. Christians still get dumb thoughts because the Holy Spirit is still working on the Souls of Christians who are already saved in their Spirit.

The Bible says your Spirit is already perfected by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. All of your past sins are forgiven. Then the Bible tells us after that, we are to receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save our Souls (not Spirit).

James 1:21, Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your Souls. (written to people who were already saved) (KJV)

Some churches teach that the Soul is already saved, but that is not what the Bible says. James 1:21 was written to people who are already saved in Spirit. It says to get your Soul saved through the engrafted word.

A NEW AND DIFFERENT ORDER

The Old Testament states that all priests had to come from the tribe of Levi but we know that JESUS came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. We can find nothing in the Old Testament to indicate that any priest would ever come from Judah.

JESUS became a priest after a different Order than the Levitical Order (the usual Order). That opens the door of possibility for us who may not be from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. It is possible for us to become a priest of EL ELYON after a different Order from Levi.

Hebrews 7:15-17, And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

So this other priest is going to be like Melchisedec, the EL ELYON priest, rather than like the Levitic/Aaronic priests of YAHWEH.

OVERCOME DEATH

Next, the Bible tells us how we know when a priest is of the Order of Melchisedec. It is the power of an endless life that makes a priest of the Order of Melchisedec.

TRY TO NOT DIE

Some people who are reading this book have the power and potential to overcome the last enemy ‑‑ death!

1 Corinthians 15:26, The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (KJV)

You could be one who destroys death. When you do overcome death you will enter the Melchisedec Order through the power of an endless life.

There will be a generation that does overcome death. Why not you!

OVERCOME DEATH -- LIVE

JESUS said, “to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”

Revelation 3:21, To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (KJV)

Can you imagine any body sitting with JESUS in the throne of God and then dying? It doesn’t fit our understanding of theology. I pray that each one of our students will go through the changes that are necessary, so that they can stay around to the end of this age. I pray you will live through the next new age (the millennium) also.

INTRODUCING MELCHISEDEC

We will study the first story in the Bible about Melchisedec the priest of EL ELYON.

Genesis 14:17-24, And the king of Sodom went out to meet him (Abram/Abraham) after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of EL ELYON (the Most High God).

19 And he blessed him (Abram/Abraham), and said, Blessed be Abram of EL ELYON (the Most High God), possessor of heaven and earth:

20 And blessed be EL ELYON (the Most High God), which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, EL ELYON (the Most High God), the possessor of heaven and earth,

23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion. (KJV)

Melchisedec was King of Salem. (Salem means peace.) Most Bible students believe he was King of Jeru-SALEM. You can see that the word Jerusalem is a composite of the word Salem with the section Jeru added to the front of Salem. Years later Jerusalem became a Jebusite city and even later, the Capitol city for King David and Solomon.

TWICE KING

Melchi (from Melchi-sedec) means king. Sedec (from Melchi-sedec) also means righteousness. So that’s why it says in Hebrews that Melchisedec was the king of righteousness, and the king of peace. He’s the king of two realms. Melchisedec was priest of EL ELYON (the Most High God), who is the possessor of heaven and earth. Melchisedec was not a priest of YAHWEH, the God of Israel. The name/nature of the God of Israel, YAHWEH, did not appear until a long time after the day that Abraham met Melchisedec.

Exodus 6:2-3, And ELOHIM (God) spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am YAHWEH (the LORD):

3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of EL SHADDAI (God Almighty), but by my name YAHWEH (JEHOVAH) was I not known to them. (KJV)

Our God changed His name.

The Names of God, EL ELYON, YAHWEH, ELOHIM, EL SHADDAI, and ELOAH describe the various name/natures of the one and only same true God. See earlier chapters of this book for a massive description of the various Names of God.

If you are thinking of the God of the obedient temporal world, the best representation would be JESUS CHRIST, because He is God manifest in the flesh.

For example, JESUS performed all of the natural acts of a human being, like drinking a cup of water.

JESUS told us that ELOHIM is Spirit.

John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit. (KJV)

Spirits don’t drink a cup of water. So when God put on a physical BODY His name/nature became JESUS CHRIST.

TWICE POSSESSOR

EL ELYON (Most High God) is possessor of heaven and earth. He possesses both the Spiritual (heavenly) and temporal (earthly) realms. So what did Melchisedec, the priest of EL ELYON (the God of earthly possessions), give to Abraham? Something in the physical (not Spiritual) realm!

If you had been in a battle as Abraham was, fighting a war against five kings (or generals) and then came back dirty, thirsty and tired, what would you like to have? Something to eat and drink in the physical realm! At that time you would not be very interested in receiving some great Spiritual truth or revelation. Melchisedec ministered to Abram, met his present personal need, and nourished him out of his own possession for he was the possessor of heaven and earth.

The study of earthly possessions is important because the destiny of those who overcome the last enemy -- death -- is to possess and rule the world. This will be done in mercy.

RICH KING -- POOR KING

Our destiny is to grant mercy but we cannot give a bowl of soup, in mercy, until we possess an extra bowl of soup. You’ll not be able to give bread and wine until you possess extra bread and wine. In times past, we were mistakenly taught the idea that in order to be a good Christian you would have to be poor. I’ve heard it said, “JESUS had no pillow on which to place his head.” The implication was, we don’t need a pillow either. These thoughts are often introduced just before the offering. After all, JESUS said it is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (Matt. 19:24).

Abraham was very rich. So were Jacob and Job. When you read the blessings of Job you find he was one of the richest men in the world and he had twice as much after his troubles were over. If you are going to be a king, you have to have affluency in the physical realm.

Revelation 5:10, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (KJV)

You are going to become a king and priest so you will have to have something extra beyond what you need, so you can give things away, with mercy.

All Israel shall obtain mercy through your mercy.

Romans 11:31, Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. (KJV)

How shall Israel obtain mercy? By your mercy!

Romans 11:26, And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (KJV)

So all Israel shall be saved. What shall bring about the salvation of all Israel? Your mercy!

How can I be merciful if I don’t have an extra loaf of bread, or an extra bowl of soup? I hesitate to mention an extra bottle of wine (like Melchisedec gave to Abraham) because I wouldn’t want to offend anybody.

You have to have an over abundance to be affluent and be a king.

Abram gave Melchisedec tithes of all the battle.

There may be a little Spiritual clue here concerning the next time you or I may need some more possessions. EL ELYON (Most High God) gave physical possessions to Abraham and what did Abraham give back? He gave tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of EL ELYON.

Abraham returned possessions for possessions. This transaction was purely physical. I don’t object to spiritualizing many things in the Bible, but I don’t think that this section is especially Spiritual. It seems very physical to me. It is a reminder that tithing from the physical realm is quite proper. Experience proves that tithing is good money management.

Melchisedec said that EL ELYON (the Most High God) was the one who provided the victory, not Abraham.

MELCHISEDEC IN THE PSALM

After the Genesis story there is one other mention of Melchisedec in the Old Testament. He is mentioned the second time in Psalm 110:4. It is rather interesting that the Old Testament only mentions Melchisedec twice. The New Testament makes mention of him a lot more often.

Psalm 110:4, The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek. (KJV)

Christian literature universally agrees that this prophecy refers to JESUS CHRIST.

In reference to JESUS CHRIST, Psalm 110:4 was quoted four different times in the book of Hebrews; i.e., 5:6, 6:20, 7:17 and 7:21.

Here is the whole Psalm which shows the context of the subject quote.

Psalm 110:1-7, <<A Psalm of David.>> YAHWEH (the LORD) said unto my ADON (LORD), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

2 YAHWEH (the LORD) shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4 YAHWEH (the LORD) hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek.

5 YAHWEH (the LORD) at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. (KJV)

Very few writers expand the thought and continue with the idea that the Body of CHRIST also is prophesied to enter the same Melchisedec priesthood, through the same power of an endless life. Perhaps the reason is that the thought of an endless life was not timely as far as the past writers were concerned. There is a generation that will overcome the last enemy -- death -- and it’s time to look into it, now.

SO WHO’S PERFECT?

Hebrews 7:11, If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the Order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the Order of Aaron? (KJV)

How many of you have wondered why JESUS was not after the Order of Levi? If you were God, wouldn’t you make the Messiah come out of Levi? Most people would answer, “yes.” So we see a conflict in natural versus Spiritual thinking.

Now we shall read the subject quotes in the N.T.

MELCHISEDEC AND JESUS IN THE N.T.

Hebrews 5:6, As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

Hebrews 5:10, Called of God an high priest after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

Hebrews 6:20, Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even JESUS, made an high priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

Hebrews 7:17, For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec. (KJV)

Hebrews 7:21, (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The LORD sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec) (KJV)

MELCHIZEDEK AND ABRAHAM

We shall now review some of the things we have learned about Melchizedek by means of this outline.

Concerning Melchizedek, Genesis 14 teaches us that:

· Melchizedek was alive at the time of Abraham around 1913 B.C.

· Melchizedek was the priest of EL ELYON the Most High God.

· Melchizedek is a king and a priest.

· Melchizedek gave physical gifts:

a. Bread and wine,

b. Provided life for the Body.

· Melchizedek received tithes.

· Melchizedek is king of Peace (Salem).

· The Hebrew word “Melech” means “king.”

· The word “tsedek” means “righteousness.”

ETYMOLOGY

Etymology teaches us that:

· Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.”

· Melchizedek is both:

a. King of righteousness, and

b. King of peace.

c. Melchizedek is King of Jerusalem.

The word “Salem” means peace. The city of Jerusalem means city of peace.

MELCHISEDEC FOR EVER

Now we will look at more detail concerning the word “for ever,” as it applies to Melchisedec.

Psalm 110:4, The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek. (KJV)

This says that Melchizedek is the head of an Order of priests who will live for ever. For ever is eternal existence.

Hebrews 7:3, (Referring to Melchisedec) Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (KJV)

In Hebrew there are three main words that have been translated into our English word, “FOR EVER."

FIRST FOREVER

FOR EVER - 05769 `owlam {o-lawm’} or `olam {o-lawm’}

from 05956; TWOT -- 1631a; n m

concealed, vanishing point, time out of mind.

AV - ever 272, everlasting 63, old 22, perpetual 22, evermore 15, never 13, time 6, ancient 5, world 4, always 3, alway 2, long 2, more 2, never + 0408 2, misc 6; 439

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting,

evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

SECOND FOREVER

FOR EVER - 05703 `ad {ad}

a peremptory (peremptory -- putting an end to) terminus, a duration.

from 05710; TWOT -- 1565a; n m, a prim. root, to advance

AV - ever 41, everlasting 2, end 1, eternity 1, ever + 05769 1, evermore 1, old 1, perpetually 1; 49

1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future

1a) ancient (of past time)

1b) for ever (of future time)

1b1) of continuous existence

1c) for ever (of God’s existence)

THIRD FOREVER

FOR EVER -- 05331 netsach {neh’-tsakh} or netsach {nay’-tsakh} a goal, that is the bright object at a distance traveled toward.

from 05329; TWOT -- 1402a; n m, to glitter from afar.

AV -- ever 24, never 4, perpetual 3, always 2, end 2, victory 2, strength 2, alway 1, constantly 1, evermore 1, never + 03808 1; 43

1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness

1a) eminence

1b) enduring of life

1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end

1d) everlastingness, ever

Strong’s says, FOR EVER ‑‑ 5769, OLAM, concealed, vanishing point, time out of mind, (infinity). From this definition of FOR EVER we can conclude that Melchisedec existed from before infinity and will exist after infinity. Since there are many ages spoken of in the Bible, I conclude that Melchisedec predates all former ages and will exist even after all future ages.

It should be mentioned that if the Hebrew writer would have selected AD rather than OLAM then that would have indicated an existence for a very long duration, even for an age or several ages. That would infer that an end would eventually come, though for all intents and purposes the