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The Restoration of Kingdom Dominion

Copyright Information Copyright © 2019 Sharri Eckstein, Charlie Hamilton. All rights reserved. eBook Cover by Charlie Hamilton This copyright is not intended to hinder or limit the free distribution of the gospel of the Kingdom. Rather, its singular purpose is to protect our right to publish this material. All rights are reserved. Permission is herein granted to reproduce this eBook so long as the reproduction is not intended for financial gain. Freely you have received, freely give. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. “Scripture quotations taken from the New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” “Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version is Public Domain in the United States. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” Product Description The Restoration of Kingdom Dominion reveals truth about the spiritual transition we’re currently experiencing. We are transitioning from the Church age to the Kingdom age. Jesus, speaking during His time of spiritual transition said, “The law and the prophets were until John [the Baptist]. Since that time the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.” [Emphasis mine] Luke 6:161 Two thousand years later, we find ourselves in a spiritual transition of our own—from the Church age to the Kingdom age. About the Authors Sharri and her husband Duff live in Boones Mill, VA and have three children and two grandchildren. Charles and his wife Suzanne live in Salem, VA and have six children and nine grandchildren.

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The Restoration Of Kingdom Dominion The Restoration of Kingdom Dominion reveals truth about the spiritual transition we’re currently experiencing. We are transitioning from the Church age to the Kingdom age. Jesus, speaking during His time of spiritual transition said, “The law and the prophets were until John [the Baptist]. Since that time the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.” [Emphasis mine] Luke 16:16 Two thousand years later, we find ourselves in a spiritual transition of our own—from the Church age to the Kingdom age.

Let’s begin in Micah 4:6-8,

“In that day,” says the Lord, “I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever. And you, O tower of the flock, The stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former [Kingdom] dominion shall come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” [Emphasis mine] Micah 4:6-8

Here in this section of Micah is a Messianic prophesy of the restoration of the former Kingdom dominion. Before the fall—Adam was given Kingdom dominion over planet earth.

Look in Genesis 1:26,

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion...” Genesis 1:26

Psalms 103:19 tells us “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom rules over all.” God’s Kingdom rules over the entire universe that He created.

God created the universe for the earth, the earth for Man, and Man so God could have a royal family of priests and kings. Psalm 115:16 tell us, “The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.” Here we see that God specifically gave Kingdom dominion over planet earth to Man.

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God created Adam to begin a new race which had never existed before. Adam and his Wife were created in the image of God, according to God’s likeness. God gave the Kingdom dominion over planet earth to Adam and his wife. They were to spend their first full day [1,000 years] in the rest of God to cultivate and develop an intimate relationship with the LORD—walking with him daily “in the garden, in the cool of the day.”

Adam was given permission to name all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. Adam was also given the responsibility to keep and dress the garden which the LORD God had created. In short, Adam and his wife were made kings and priests unto God. As a priest, Adam hosted the Presence of God daily and received divine revelation through his relationship with God. As a king, Adam implemented the plans and the purposes of God on earth as it was in Heaven. This was the eternal purpose of God to create a planet filled with kings and priests unto God. God is a family Man who wanted a royal family—a Kingdom of priests and kings to rule planet earth.

There was only one commandment for Adam and his wife to follow.

Look in Genesis 2:16-17,

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17

There can be no true obedience unless there is the freedom of will to disobey. God didn’t want robots that always obeyed instructions like a machine—God wanted a family that would think and feel and be willing to choose righteousness—obeying God because they loved Him.

But all this changed when the great usurper—Satan—deceived the woman into eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (See Genesis 3)

The Image And Likeness Of God

Look in Genesis 1:26 again.

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“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion...” Genesis 1:26 NKJV

God’s eternal purpose was to have a family in His image, according to His likeness. But something terrible happened after the fall of Adam.

Look in Genesis 5:3,

“And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.” Genesis 5:3 NKJV

Instead of Adam creating a race in the image and likeness of God, now Adam was creating a race in his own image and in his own likeness. In short, Adam was creating a fallen race completely independent of their creator—The Heavenly Father.

When Adam and his wife ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—they instantly died spiritually, but it took years for them to die physically. The shekinah glory, which was their covering, left and they became limited to their five senses. Where once they experienced life in two different ways—life in the Heavenly realm and life in their physical bodies—now Adam and his wife were limited to the physical realm. From this time forward, the only way God could communicate with Mankind was either through the Holy Spirit coming upon individuals or through the written Scriptures which man could read, study and obey.

Because the spirit within man died, the soul took preeminence. Man was reduced to his five senses and therefore “self-ruled and self-reigned”— completely independent and detached from The Heavenly Father.

This devastating spiritual condition passed down throughout Adam’s progeny. All Mankind thereafter was born dead [spiritually] in trespasses and sins.

Psalm 119:25 tells us that the soul without the Spirit clings to the dust.

My soul clings to the dust… Psalm 119:25

Mankind was no longer “ruled” by the Spirit of the LORD. Mankind was reduced to his soul life clinging to the dust of the ground from which he was formed. In the soul of Man—everything became all about self.

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But the Bible speaks of another Adam—The Last Adam Who is the LORD Jesus Christ.

Look in 1 Corinthians 15:45,

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being [soul].” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45

Just as the first Adam came to create a race of people for God—Jesus Christ, as the last Adam came to create a new race of people and to restore the former Kingdom dominion back to Mankind for The Heavenly Father.

It’s important to understand that Jesus did not come to give Mankind a soul life, because Mankind already had a soul life from the beginning of creation. Jesus came to restore to Mankind a supernatural life, which had been lost through the first Adam. Jesus Christ, as the last Adam, came to create a supernatural race of people in the image and likeness of God—through the new birth experience. (See John 3:3-8)

Former Kingdom Dominion Lost

When Jesus said, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” Jesus wasn’t talking about the land. He was offering the former Kingdom dominion back to Mankind. The Kingdom of God rules over all—but the Kingdom dominion over this planet that Adam once had was lost to the Great usurper—Satan during the fall of Man. (See Genesis 3)

In the Gospel of Luke, we see the devil offering Jesus all the kingdoms of this world—if He would only bow down and worship him.

Look in Luke 4:5-6,

Then the devil led Him [Jesus] up to a high place and showed Him [Jesus] in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he [the devil] said to him [Jesus], "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So, if You worship me, it will all be Yours. [Emphasis mine] Luke 4:5-7

But Jesus responded to Satan in Luke 4:8,

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And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:8

As the last Adam, Jesus overcame where the first Adam failed. Now all authority in Heaven and on earth has been given unto the LORD Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:18 says,

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18

After His ascension into Heaven, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God awaiting until His enemies are made His footstool. Jesus has been waiting for over two thousand years until the end of the age; the end of a six-thousand-year period—when The LORD Jesus will bring about the full restoration of all things. (See Acts 3:21)

Look in Hebrews 10:12-14,

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:12-14

Here at the end of the age, God’s eternal purpose is to restore the former [Kingdom] dominion back to Man. To do so, God will need to evict—cast out the current ruler—Satan and his kingdom of darkness.

Why? Because Satan will not go away quietly. (See Revelation 12:7-12)

The kingdom of darkness will resist the Kingdom of Light, however, God has a wonderful plan to deal with Satan and his wicked kingdom. When evil is displaced, the Kingdom of God MUST take its place.

How will God deal with Satan? Through the corporate Lord Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, God has only ruled and reigned within the lives of those who have given Him permission to do so. However, this is all about to change as we transition from the Church age to the Kingdom age.

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Let’s look in Micah 4:6-8 again,

“In that day,” says the Lord, “I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever. And you, O tower of the flock [The Messiah], The stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former [Kingdom] dominion shall come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” [Emphasis mine] Micah 4:6-8

Here at the end of the age, the LORD is gathering a remnant—a Body who will allow King Jesus to rule and reign over them. The LORD will use the lame and the outcast to completely embarrass and humiliate the devil and his kingdom of darkness. God will be glorified in His saints through the lame and the outcast. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:10)

Isaiah 11:11 confirms this truth about a remnant at the end of the age.

“It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people…” Isaiah 11:11

Hebrews 10:5 tells us,

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.” Hebrews 10:5

Here at the end of the age, Jesus will have a remnant—a Body to rest His head upon. What Jesus did on earth for 3 ½ years in a singular body—Jesus will do again—and MORE in a corporate Body.

Look in John 14:12,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12

The LORD is raising up a remnant who are fully His—fully submitted and fully surrendered to the eternal purposes of God. This remnant will only do what the Lord shows them to do. (See John 5:19)

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The Bible tells us that had the princes of this world known what God would do—they would have never crucified the LORD of Glory. (See 1 Corinthians 2:8) It would have been far better for Satan to have had to battle Jesus every day in a single body rather than battling a corporate Body with each member having “Christ in them.” (See Colossians 1:27)

But how will this remnant rule and reign corporately?

To understand this, we need to look at another Messianic promise in Zechariah.

Look in Zechariah 6:12-13,

Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the [His] two offices.”’ [Emphasis mine] Zechariah 6:12-13

This promise speaks of the Messiah as the Branch branching out from where He is [seated at the right hand of God] to build the temple of the LORD. The LORD Jesus is building His temple, but it is not the third temple that everyone is expecting in Jerusalem. No, we are the temple of the LORD. The Kingdom of God is within us!

Look in Luke 17:20-21,

Now when He [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” [Emphasis mine] Luke 17:20-21

The Pharisees asked Jesus WHEN the Kingdom of God would come, but Jesus only told them WHERE it would come from—within human vessels.

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Paul said it like this,

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Zechariah 6:13 tells us,

“Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” Zechariah 6:13

Jesus is King and High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. There is harmony (peace) between His two offices. Likewise, Revelation 1:6 tells us that God has made us kings and priests unto God.

Look in Revelation 1:6,

And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6

As priests, we host the Presence of God and minister unto the LORD in love and intimacy.

As kings, we implement the eternal plans and purposes of God on earth as it is in Heaven.

Jesus is King of kings and LORD of lords. So, how do we rule and reign as kings and priests unto God? By being faithful and obedient to the LORD Jesus Christ—as His disciples.

Isaiah 1:19 tells us,

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19

Matthew 25:23 shows us the key,

His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:23

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When we make righteous choices in direct obedience to the LORD, it echoes throughout all eternity. Our faithfulness and obedience will forge our future Kingdom responsibilities. When we are faithful with a few things, Jesus will make us a ruler over many things. Because we love the LORD Jesus, He will cause us to inherit spiritual substance that has eternal weight and glory.

Look in Proverbs 8:21,

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:21 KJV

Every righteous choice we make in love, in the present purpose of God, has a direct affect upon us—being conformed to the image of Christ.

Ultimately our obedience in love fulfills God’s eternal purpose for our lives throughout all eternity. In this love relationship with the LORD, we discover that our present obedience is far more important than our present understanding. We don’t have to know everything to obey—we simply need to love and trust the One we obey— King Jesus!

Kingdom Vision—Mount Of Transfiguration

We are in a spiritual transition. We are transitioning from the Church age to the Kingdom age. In the Gospels, the LORD showed Peter, James and John a vision of Him coming into His Kingdom at the end of the age. We will examine the record in Matthew to find out what His Kingdom will look like—as it arises upon a company of people in the earth. (See Isaiah 60:1-4) But first, let’s do a little Biblical research shall we? Where was Jesus at the time of this vision on the Mount of Transfiguration? Matthew 16:13 tells us where He was, “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi...” Matthew 16:13

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What Mountain was near Caesarea Philippi? Caesarea Philippi is located at the base of Mt. Hermon. It is 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. It is the location of one of the largest springs of water that feeds into the Jordan River. This abundant water supply made the entire area extremely fertile ground. How tall is Mt. Hermon? Mt. Hermon rises to 9,232 feet (2,814 meters) and is the highest point on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Now that we have a general understanding of where Jesus and His disciples were when this vison occurred, we can gain more insight into the significance of this powerful vision of His coming Kingdom. Now for context let’s look in Matthew 16:28, Speaking to His disciples Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28 NKJV Notice Jesus said, “they SEE (Visual Illustration) the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” This vision that the LORD showed them was a “visual aid” of what His Kingdom would look like when He comes back. Before Jesus comes back FOR His people—Jesus must come back UPON His people as their “Head.” Jesus showed Peter, James and John the corporate Body on earth coming into union with their Head—the LORD Jesus Christ. Now let’s look in Matthew 17:1-9 for the Kingdom vision, “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “LORD, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles:

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one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” Matthew 17:1-9 NKJV Matthew 17 begins with “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves…” The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. Therefore, everything Jesus did was to prophetically point to His Heavenly Father and to His Kingdom. When Matthew 17 says, “Now after six days…” it is prophetically speaking of “six thousand years—at the end of the age when Christ will establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Satan has ruled earth for over six thousand years, but his time is quickly drawing to a close and the millennial Kingdom of Christ will displace him. There will be a clash of two Kingdoms, but Christ’s Kingdom of Light will overwhelmingly prevail. When evil is displaced, the Kingdom of God MUST take its place. Then Matthew says, “He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” This is the corporate Jesus being glorified in His saints. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:10) The word “transfigured” is the GREEK word metamorphoō which is the same word that is used when a caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Here in the vision we see the Shekinah Glory of God filling the corporate vessel of Jesus and every member in particular [His Body] will experience the Glory of God at the same exact time. “His face shone like the sun…” is the Head of Christ Jesus and “His clothes became as white as the light…” speaks of the members of His Body arising and shining. (See Isaiah 60:1-4) They are all veiled behind “His clothes” as they desire to be nameless, faceless, and selfless.

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Jesus as “the Head” of His Body is the only One of preeminence in this vision and in His Kingdom. Matthew then says, “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Moses represents the law and Elijah represents the prophets which give testimony to the coming Kingdom of Christ. Moses and Elijah are the “two witness” that we see in Zechariah 4:14 and in Revelation 11:1-14. If you will recall, Moses asked God to see His Glory in Exodus 33:18-20. God then put Moses on a cliff in a rock and covered His eyes so that Moses would not die. God then removed His hand and passed before Moses with all His goodness and only allowed Moses to see His backside. Here in this vision, the LORD is granting Moses’ initial request to see God’s Glory. In Exodus, Moses saw God’s backside, but in the Kingdom, Moses sees and experiences the Shekinah Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Then Matthew says, “Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “LORD, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” This speaks of tabernacles which is one of the last fall feasts. Moses and Elijah set the timeline of Revelation 11 and Peter, by using the word tabernacles, sets the season which points to the fall feasts of “Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Tabernacles (Sukkot).” Matthew then says, “While he [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Here we see in the vision that Peter, James and John experienced the Shekinah Glory of God which overshadowed them. Then in a powerful declaration, the Heavenly Father says, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” This is the Heavenly Father declaring the son-placement [adoption] over the corporate Jesus.

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The GREEK word for Son is “huios” which, in Hebrew culture, means a fully mature son who through adoption has been given access to his inheritance and full authority of his Father to conduct family business. The Hebrew view of “the adoption of a son” has nothing to do with placing an orphan in your home, signing adoption papers, and giving them sonship rights into your family. In the Hebrew culture, an “adopted son” refers to when a man comes to a place of maturity whereby all the access and authority of his Father is bestowed upon his son to allow him to conduct family business. A child is one born of God; a Son is one taught of God. A child has God’s nature; a Son has God’s character. A Son of God through Kingdom maturity receives Kingdom responsibility. Through the “new birth experience” we become a child [teknon] of God, but it’s through maturity and adoption [son placing] that we become Sons [huios] of God. Look in Galatians 4:3-7, Even so we, when we were children [nēpios an infant; little child], [we] were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son [huios], born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons [huiothesia]. [Emphasis mine] Galatians 4:3-7 There is one GREEK word for the whole phrase “adoption as sons.” The word is huiothesia. Do you see the word huios there? The “s” is dropped and it is combined with thesia. Together it literally means “son-placing.” Huios is the GREEK word which refers to a mature son, as opposed to nēpios for an infant or teknon for a child or teenager. Look in Galatians 4:1-2, Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child [nēpios an infant; little child], does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by The Father. [Emphasis mine] Galatians 4:1-2

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What the “adoption as sons” is referring to is a ceremony; an appointed time when The Father invests His mature son with the power of attorney to act in all His affairs. Unlike our modern American custom and understanding of “adoption,” this adoption has nothing to do with being an orphan or a child from a previous marriage. Neither does it have anything to do with being adopted into someone else’s family. In the Bible it is a legal proclamation: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Why? Because now My Son has my authority to conduct business on my behalf; My Son will act on My behalf because He will say and do exactly as I would do and say. I have placed my son in this position.” When Jesus was baptized in the river Jordon by John the Baptist, the Heavenly Father said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Heavenly Father announced to the world that if you were dealing with Jesus you were dealing with the Father. Here in the vision on the Mount of Transfiguration, the Heavenly Father is performing what is called in Hebrew culture huiothesia—Son placement over the corporate Jesus. Not only is the Head fully mature—but the Body, here at the end of the age—has come into full maturity. The mature head of Christ is now able to rest His head upon a mature Body of people unto the eternal plans and purposes of God. The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration is Jesus being enthroned in His Kingdom as Head of His Body allowing His people to “Arise and Shine.” (See Isaiah 60:1-4) What Jesus was able to do in a singular body 2,000 years ago—Jesus will do again in a corporate Body. Instead of Satan having to contend with one Jesus on planet earth—now he will have to contend with a corporate Body made up of many Jesus’s. His Body is made up of members in particular who have “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Now let’s look at Peter’s understanding about the vision on the Mount of Transfiguration.

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Peter’s Understanding Of The Vision Look in 2 Peter 1:16-19, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming [parousia] of our LORD Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a Voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this Voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word [Scriptures] confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” [Emphasis mine] 2 Peter 1:16-19 NKJV Peter tells us here that prophetically from the Scriptures, we are waiting for “a new day to dawn and for the morning star to arise in our hearts.” Jesus is the bright and morning star. When He arises as promised in Isaiah 60:1-4—Jesus will arise within a company of people who have been prepared for the Master’s use. The Bible says we are living stones fit together to be a habitation of God. The GREEK word for coming is the word parousia which involves more than a one-time event. A parousia is God coming—manifesting His Presence in the earth over a number of years. For instance, when Jesus came the first time, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, grew up in a carpenter’s shop in Nazareth and at thirty years of age began His Kingdom ministry. Everything that took place from His conception to the Cross and the grave; to His resurrection and ascension back to Heaven was His first coming; His first parousia. As you can see it took years. When Christ comes this second time, He will not be coming as the suffering LAMB but as the LION—the King of Kings and LORD of Lord’s.

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The prophets of old could see the suffering servant and they could see the conquering King, but they could not see the time and distance between. His first coming was as a LAMB but His second coming is as a LION to conquer, to rule and to reign. Now look in Revelation 2:26-29, “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; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ — as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:26-29 NKJV Here in Revelation 2:26-29 is a promise to all those who overcome and keep His works until the end—to him (the overcomer) Jesus promised to give them power over the nations. He (Jesus said) shall rule them with a rod of iron. To rule with a rod of iron is spiritual authority with consequences.

Behold, The Lion Comes The Book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ as the “KING of kings and LORD of Lords. King Jesus will rule and reign (theocracy) throughout the millennial (1000 year) Kingdom age to come.” It was always God’s eternal purpose to “bring Heaven to earth” and King Jesus, as the last Adam shall do it. The Book of Revelation is MORE than simply revealing future events. It is the Revelation of The KING and LORD Jesus Christ Who sits upon the Throne. King Jesus must evict—cast out the current evil ruler, “the god of this world—Satan” and transition us into the Kingdom age. When evil is displaced, the Kingdom of God MUST take its place. The enemy will resist King Jesus every step of the way, however, the Book of Revelation tells us The Heavenly Father will make all of His Son’s enemies to become His footstool.

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Only as our eyes are fixed upon the One on the Throne and listen to His Voice—will we begin to understand His end time message written within the Scriptures. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 tells us that King Jesus will come back to be glorified in His saints. The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration confirms and signifies His second coming clothed in the Shekinah Glory of God. Look in 2 Thessalonians 1:10, “When He [Jesus] comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.” [Emphasis mine] 2 Thessalonians 1:10 NASB

Revelation Signified The LORD revealed to us that, “It takes revelation to understand the Book of Revelation.” Revelation only comes through an intimate and personal relationship with the LORD Jesus. Look in Revelation 1:1, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John. Revelation 1:1 NKJV When studying the Bible, a few things are important to understand. First, it’s helpful to know a little something about the writer. Secondly, it’s helpful to know something about “to whom” the Scriptures are addressing. Here in Revelation, Chapter 1, verse 1 we see that this revelation originated in the heart of the Heavenly Father who revealed it to His Son—Jesus Christ. The LORD Jesus then revealed it to His angel who then revealed it to John the beloved.

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John was the fourth person in line to receive it and the number “four” is the number for humanity. Verse 1 says, “He sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” What was it about John that was so significant? Answer! John the beloved was a type of the “Bride” in love, intimacy and passion for the LORD Jesus. John was a type of an “Overcomer” in Christlike nature and godly character. John was a type of a “Son of God” who through Kingdom maturity and Kingdom responsibility conducted Kingdom business. John was a type of the “Man-child” in Revelation, Chapter 12, who was caught up to God’s Throne. (See Revelation 4:1-2) In short, John tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come. As a Bride we marry and become One with Him. As an Overcomer we qualify to rule and reign with Him. As a Son we inherit to conduct Kingdom business with Him As a Man-child we are caught up to the throne with Him. Therefore, John was uniquely qualified to bear witness to the Word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. John did not simply bear witness, John bore witness with the life of Christ within his human vessel. The Kingdom of God is first an internal Kingdom before it ever manifests itself in the natural. Jesus declared this truth in Luke 17:21 “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” John had an intimate relationship with Jesus and John the beloved was a worshiper. Therefore, a powerful key to understanding the Book of Revelation is to view it through the eyes of “Worship”—through the eyes of a worshiper. Even though others saw some of the things that John saw in the third heaven, they were not permitted to write about it. Why?

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Because if they wrote about the things they saw and heard, it would not have been nearly as significant as the revelation coming directly from John the beloved. (See 2 Corinthians 12:2-4) The word for signified here in Revelation verse 1 is the GREEK word semaino. This word is used six times in the New Testament. The first usage is in the Gospel of John. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying [semaino ] what death he should die. John 12:32-33

The LORD wanted the way in which He made this statement in the Gospel of John to be significant. Therefore, He said it in such a way as to prophetically signify how He would die. Jesus wanted to make a powerful point to every reader. The same is true of the entire Book of Revelation. Jesus made a specific point by giving the revelation to John. Jesus and John had an intimate relationship. It was John who loved to lay his head on the breast of Jesus. John was the Apostle of love and so by giving the end time warnings and divine strategies to the Apostle of love, Jesus is boldly declaring to every reader that “true love warns.” John had one of the most intimate relationships with Jesus in the Word of God. So, by giving this revelation to John, Jesus was providing a significant clue as to how to understand the Book of Revelation—by seeing it through the eyes of love and worship. Isn’t that beautiful? Let’s compare the heavenly vision of Isaiah Chapter 6 with the heavenly vision of John in Revelation. In Isaiah’s vision of King Jesus on the throne, we see the seraphim, who offer us a glimpse of worship as it’s conducted in heaven. The word seraph is directly connected with the Hebrew word for burning. The seraphim are fiery creatures, each having six wings.

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The worship of the seraphim takes on two specific forms: first, an utterance from their mouths and secondly, an expression of their bodies. With their mouths they proclaimed, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.” It’s interesting that the word “Holy” is the only adjective in Scripture applied three times in one sentence to the LORD Jesus. The seraphim use their wings in three ways. With two they cover their faces; with two they cover their feet; and with two they fly. The covering of their faces and of their feet speaks of honor and worship, whereas flying speaks of service. Therefore, we see that they use four of their wings for honor and worship, and only two of their wings for service. This is a powerful truth! As worshipers we need to follow the same heavenly pattern. First, we should place twice as much emphasis on honor and worship before the LORD as we do on service. Secondly, we need to understand and recognize that any purity of service must first proceed out of worship. It is in our times of worship that we receive revelation and direction for true Christian service. Therefore, we see that the primary emphasis in heaven is upon worship. The overall theme of the Book of Revelation is about “Who will you worship?” Will you worship the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ or will you worship Satan, the god of this world who blinds the minds of them which believe not? The picture we see from Isaiah 6 is the LORD Jesus seated on His Throne and the train of His robe fills the temple. It is noteworthy that we are the temple of the LORD made up of living stones. The LORD has no interest in building a third temple in Jerusalem. Man may build a third temple, but just like when the LORD Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem there will be no Presence of God inside. The seraphim then declare “The whole earth is filled with His Glory.” This can only be said of Christ’s future millennial Kingdom to come. So, what Isaiah saw in his vision was the LORD Jesus seated upon His Throne in His Kingdom ruling and reigning over the earth. Isaiah saw our future—Our coming King and His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.

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Look in the Book of John. These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. John 12:41

The Throne In Heaven The Book of Revelation opens with a reference to the throne of God, and the letter to the last of the seven churches closes with a reference to the throne of Christ. The first three Chapters of Revelation are addressed to the church. In the church all eyes are on the pulpit, but in the Kingdom all eyes are on the throne of God. Revelation Chapter 3 transitions us from the end of the church age into the Kingdom age of Revelation Chapter 4 through Revelation Chapter 22. In Revelation, Chapter 4, verse 2 we see a vision begin with the statement, “behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” It’s one thing to be interested in the throne of God, however we MUST become more interested in the God of the throne—the LORD Jesus Christ. We must desire the power and presence of God for all the right reasons; to advance the Kingdom of God upon the earth. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” The throne in Revelation 4:2 is the symbol of power, authority and government. In this brief Chapter, there are 11 verses in which the word “throne” occurs 12 times. This is significant because the number 12 is the number for governmental order. It is from His throne in heaven that the entire universe is governed. (See Psalm 103:19) Another tremendous truth is that all around God’s throne is a breathtaking rainbow, which speaks of covenantal grace and extended mercy. Keep in mind that this rainbow is not just a half circle as we see after a rainfall, but it is a full 360-degree rainbow encircling the very throne of God, which speaks of God’s eternal power and glory. In Revelation, Chapter 5 the primary focus is on the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is the LAMB who was slain standing at the center of the

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throne. His presence is an eternal reminder that victory comes through laying down our lives in love. Out from the throne there extends an ever-expanding circle of worship that eventually includes the entire universe of which earth is a small—but significant part. Listen to a tremendous prophecy from the Book of Zechariah concerning the LORD branching out from where He is and building the temple of the LORD. Look in Zechariah 6:12-13, Tell him that the LORD Almighty says: Here is the man called the Branch. He will branch out where he is and build the Temple of the LORD. He will build the LORD's Temple, and he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between the two [offices]. [Emphasis mine] Zechariah 6:12-13 NLT Jesus Christ is building the Temple of the LORD out of living stones. He is bringing a harmony between the throne and the priesthood because as scripture reminds us as overcomers He “…hast made us unto our God kings and priests…” Look in Revelation 5:10, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10 In Revelation, Chapter 5 the twenty-four elders have a harp in one hand and bowls in the other (verse 6). The harps speak of worship and the bowls are the prayers (intercession) of the saints being offered up to God. The twenty-four elders are mixing praise and worship with the prayers and intercession of the saints. There are the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders who prostrate themselves and sing a new song (verses 8-10). We also see that there are millions upon millions of angels who proclaim in a loud voice, “Worthy is the LAMB!” (verses 11-12). Then all the other creatures in heaven, on earth, under the earth and in the sea join in a chorus of blessing to the One who sits on the throne and unto

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the LAMB (verses 13-14). The ultimate climax is a final “Amen!” from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders (verse 14). The only One worthy to occupy the center of such worship is the LAMB that was slain, Jesus Christ the LORD. If our worship on earth is to conform to that of heaven, it must also have the same focus: To the One who sits upon the throne; to Jesus Christ the LAMB. In Revelation, Chapter 8 we see the prayers of the saints being mixed with incense and offered to God on the throne by an Angel of the LORD, but it doesn’t stop there. Then we see another Angel sending down fire from heaven in answer to the prayers mixed with worship. Recall that in the Old Testament, Israel knew when their sacrifice was accepted because fire fell down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice.

The Cycle Of Worship There are a few places in Scripture where prayer, praise and worship is likened to a water cycle. For example, water on earth evaporates and forms clouds in the air—then in the form of rain it falls back to the earth—which becomes a never-ending cycle. Praise and worship mixed with intercession is like that. Man’s praise, worship and intercession rise up to God just as the vapors that are created by the sun on the vast oceans. Our praise, our worship and intercession form clouds of blessings. God then causes them to distill into rain, which pours forth upon the earth in both the former and the latter rains. The excess rain forms streams and rivers, which run back into the sea of humanity, where they originally came from and the entire process begins all over again. It’s a beautiful cycle, isn’t it? We see through the eyes of John the beloved that Heaven is a place of music; a place of singing to the LORD of Glory who sits upon the Throne. The Book of Revelation has inspired many hymns and songs over the years particularly focused on the One who sits upon the Throne—The LORD Jesus Christ!

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What makes the Book of Revelation so significant is that it’s written to those who will bow the knee and worship the King of Glory. It’s written to those who want to overcome and contend for the Kingdom of God in their lives. (See Matthew 6:33) What Peter said in 2 Peter 1 is significant for our time. “…Which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:16-19 NKJV As we have seen in the vision of the Mount of Transfiguration, a new day is about to dawn and the morning star is about to rise in the hearts and lives of God’s people. It’s time to press in for more of God and contend for His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. In the Book of Revelation, we see the transition from the Church age (Chapters 1-3) to the Kingdom age (Chapters 4-22). We are all about to witness things on earth which we’ve never seen before, but all this is clearly laid out in Scripture. Jesus warned in Revelation 22:11, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11 Jesus promised us rewards for our faithfulness in Revelation 22:12, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12 Let the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come LORD Jesus!”

Kingdom Vision—Heavenly Batons While in deep worship before His Throne, we had a vision of the great cloud of witnesses giving this generation racing batons for them to finish the great race of faith. We both saw the same thing—at the same time.

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However, Sharri also saw that once the batons were handed over to this generation, that sparks began shooting out of each of them. Then the wind began to blow upon the batons and they all caught on fire. The sparks are the Wisdom of God and The Holy Spirit is the wind that’s blowing upon the batons. This will result in a great movement of God and sweep millions of souls from the nations into the Kingdom of God. The great race of faith is a relay race throughout the generations. It is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises. Each generation must take up the Kingdom mandate to contend for their King and His Kingdom. But the end time generation, of whom we belong is the anchor generation who will complete the last leg of the race. In a relay race two things are critical. One is the smooth transition and passing of the baton. Problems during transition can cost you the race. That is why every relay team practices passing the baton over and over again—until they can do it smoothly. The second critical thing is who will run the anchor—the last leg of the race. For the good of the team, you want your very best to finish strong and to finish well. Hebrews tell us of the great cloud of witnesses that they “did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” That is why today the great cloud of witnesses stand in Heaven cheering us onward and upward—to finish strong! Look in Hebrews 40-11:39 , “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews 40-11:39 The great cloud of witnesses has already run their leg of the race within their generation and they look forward to the end time generation to finish the anchor leg of the race so they can be perfected along with us. Ephesians tells us two things—

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One—that “He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.” (See Ephesians 1:10) Two— “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,” (See Ephesians 3:10) This is a watershed moment for the Kingdom of God and we stand at the threshold of the greatest move of God that the history of this planet has ever witnessed. May we by faith receive these Heavenly batons for our generation and let us run the race that is set before us. Let us close with Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 2-12:1 NKJV Blessings, Sharri Eckstein, Charlie Hamilton

Come To Restoration Rivers If you’re looking for a place to learn and grow, we would like to personally invite you to Restoration Rivers. We’re located in Boones Mill, Franklin County, Virginia. Our address is: 148 Southwood Lane, Boones Mill, VA 24065. Our Sunday fellowship starts at 11:00am and we have prayer and worship on Fridays at 7:00pm. We would love to see you there! Sharri Eckstein, Charlie Hamilton To learn more about other Biblical topics, please check out our website for our FREE Kingdom Resources: RestorationRivers