A word of explanation is necessary at the start of this book. In this work you will find this writer using names in reference to God the Father and God the Son that are more faithful to their Hebrew original than the names and titles generally in use by the church today. The name Yah, or Yahweh, will be found in reference to God the Father, and the name Yahshua will be utilized when speaking of the Son.

This usage is not intended to be divisive, nor does it serve as a renunciation of the usage of titles such as Lord or God. Neither is it a condemnation of those who choose to call the Son of God Jesus. My intent as a teacher of the Bible is simply to illumine and instruct. There is great meaning in the Hebrew names of the Father and the Son, and these names are directly related to one another, as well as bearing many significant relationships to other historic figures from the Bible, some of whom serves as types and shadows of the Son of God.

For example, Joshua, the Israelite leader who led the people of God across the Jordan and into battle to take possession of the land of Canaan bears the same name as the Messiah. They both were called Yahshua. The Son of God also began His ministry at the Jordan River as He was baptized by John. Both men labored to establish a kingdom dedicated to Yahweh, the first external and natural, the latter internal and spiritual.

Yah is the name used in reference to the Father on forty-nine separate occasions in the Old Testament. Most Christians have utilized this name of God without knowing that they were doing so. Whenever the word hallelujah is uttered, the speaker is literally exclaiming “Praise Yah,” for this is the meaning of the Hebrew word from which it is derived. The longer name Yahweh is found an additional 6,828 times.

The name of the Son is likewise significant, for Yahshua is understood to mean “Yah’s Salvation.” The Gospel writer indicates that this is the meaning of the name given to the Savior at His birth.

Matthew 1:21
“And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Yahshua, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.”

It has been the practice of this writer for many years to use these names, which more clearly represent their Hebrew originals. It is my hope that their employment in this book might aid the reader by bringing forth light on relationships that are obscured, as well as promoting an increased intimacy with God the Father by calling Him by His memorial name, instead of a title which men have substituted.

A Wider View

I believe much of the current tendency of the saints to get caught up in false moves of God, their inability to discern truth from error, the tendency toward low living, and an absence of honor and dignity in their character and activities is the result of having too narrow a view of the work of God. Most Christians spend very little time seeking to understand the mysteries of God. Few have comprehended the grand scope of God’s work with mankind. Most Christians look very narrowly at the present moment, its needs and activities. Many are consumed with daily concerns, and this chokes them and makes them unfruitful.

Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Matthew 13:22
“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

Being consumed with paying bills, feeding a family, working a job, raising children, pursuing secular education, spending manifold hours in leisure and entertainment, and attending the meetings of their church, a majority of Christians find that the spiritual seed sown in their life becomes unfruitful, choked out as if by a multitude of weeds. These Christians rarely, if ever, spend time before God seeking to discern things that are not delivered to them from ministers and Bible teachers who stand in their pulpits, or whom they observe on television.

Nearly all Biblical teaching being proclaimed in this hour is at an elementary level. Few Christians have gone beyond the spiritual equivalent of learning their letters and numbers and the names of colors. Most are still in kindergarten. All Christians must start out at a basic level, but it is not the desire of the Father that we remain perpetually focused upon elementary matters. There is a time when the sons and daughters of God are to move on to deeper things. Consider for a moment how much focus in the church is currently upon those things that the apostle Paul described as “elementary teaching.”

Hebrews 6:1-3
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we shall do, if God permits.

What are elementary teachings about the Christ? I dare to suggest that there is probably nothing you have heard from a minister in any present day church that Paul would not define in this way. Many ministers repeat teachings endlessly that focus upon sin, repentance, salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, faith, judgment and resurrection. In addition there are endless teachings on spiritual gifts, Christian service, prayer, evangelism, and the admonition to study Scripture. (Not to mention the many false teachings which make up a large percentage of those things taught to Christians today.)

I am not downplaying the need to lay a foundation of elementary teachings. The elementary cannot be skipped over. A good foundation must be laid. But God would have His sons and daughters to press on to maturity. As important as the message of redemption from sin and death is, the Scriptures declare that there are higher and deeper things. It is my desire to share some things in this writing that go beyond the elementary to focus upon deeper and higher subjects. As the apostle Paul said, “and this we shall do, if God permits.”

Few Christians understand why they are here at all. Few understand that which is the inheritance of the saints of God in the ages to come. Few discern the fact that this current age is only a preparatory work for something much greater. To them, this age is all there is. Their thoughts, considerations, activities, and spiritual pursuits are therefore severely limited by this myopic viewpoint.

There is great benefit in examining the ultimate goal of God’s work among the creation. His goal was never simply to save mankind from sin so they could go to heaven one day. Sin and salvation are intermediary issues of great importance, but they do not encompass the broader desire of God in His work with man. Yahweh’s original reason for creating mankind is not found in these doctrines, and a life that does not see beyond them will be hindered in the pursuit of God’s highest and grandest desire. We must discern Yahweh’s intent in creating mankind. His purposes have not changed.

God’s plan for you and I is so enormous, so glorious, and so staggering that many who will read about it will doubt whether these things can be so. Some coming to realize the truth will wonder how they could have ever  missed seeing the truth of their calling, for the message is abundantly manifest throughout the word of God. Yet even in discerning the truth, many will stagger at the great faith required to walk in it.

I began to write of the profound plan of God in creating mankind four years ago. Seven or eight chapters of this book were written and sent out to my mailing list at that time. I found, however, that the saints were not ready for this writing. I have no illusions, knowing that most are still not ready. Many who encounter this teaching will not be able to receive the things declared, for they are truly astounding.

Hebrews 5:11-14
Concerning [these things] we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Some will distort what is proclaimed. Some will charge me with heresy. Some will find what is written unpalatable and will get up from the table. Yet some will be able to receive these words, and it is for these few that they are written.

Four years ago I was not fully prepared for these truths myself, but the Spirit has brought me back to them again. I believe there is a reason He has done so at this precise time. Many difficult things must be passed through by the children of God in the days ahead, and it will be necessary to keep in view the great goal before us. The coming days will be as a race that requires much endurance. Those who will run best will be those who discern what awaits them at the finish line. The cross is best borne when we can see the joy that lies beyond it.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Yahshua, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…

When I began to send out the chapters of The Hope of Glory four years ago, I was met with objections. None of the objections convinced me of error in that which was being shared. The chief objection was simply that those reading could not see the purpose and benefit of that which was being declared. A hope of future glory seemed to lack immediate relevance.

I am convinced, however, that understanding the things which will be shared in the chapters of this book will be radically transforming. They will encourage the fainthearted. They will add resolve to those who are wavering with taking up the cross. They will help to renew a commitment to follow Christ wherever He would lead. They will result in a real and profound joy at the plan of the Father for His sons and daughters. They will also lead to a greatly heightened mindset, lifting the saints of God above the shallow expectations, low living, and base thoughts that are so prevalent among Christians today.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding as you read,

Joseph Herrin


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws  

 

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Joseph Herrin
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Montezuma, GA 31063