An Arrogant One Comes Seeking Knowledge, Not God

From: Amanda
To: The Path of Truth
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 4:44 PM
Subject: introductions

Hello Mr. Hafichuk, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Romero.

I happened upon your website, thepathoftruth.com a few days ago, and I’m so glad.

I have no questions for you, nor do I presume that you will answer this email. I just want to say hello.

It is amazing finding like minded people. It is so rare.

My path of seeking the Lord’s truth began a few short years ago. I was one of the many entangled in the web of Arnold Murry, while also dabbling in New Age type mentalities. I was very lost indeed, and I knew it. Events in my life made it critical that I find the truth, so I prayed. I prayed for the Lord to send me teacher of His truth, and He did!

After about two years of studying with my bible teacher (who says the same things you do. At least from what I see as of now), and after much prayer and persistence, the Lord was gracious in giving me His Holy Spirit in January of this year.

Though it has not been what I expected, I am thankful. I am new on my journey, though I have had a form of walk with the Lord for as long as I can remember.

Finding someone other than my teacher who says the things he does, and speaks to what I know is true is a blessing. It’s great to know there are others teaching the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have a blog, trying to use my talent as best as the Lord give me to, but it will be down for a while until the Lord deems otherwise; that is where the name, Kindling Truth comes from.

Thanks for the work you do!

-Amanda

From: Paul Cohen and Victor Hafichuk
To: Amanda
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 6:48 AM
Subject: Re: introductions

Hi Amanda,

Have you shared our website with your Bible teacher? What does he have to say?

The Gospel of Christ firstly centers on Him and the taking up of the cross to follow Him. All true preaching from God flows from there. 

The Cross – Only the Death Sentence Will Avail 

Paul and Victor

From: Amanda
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 8:31 AM
Subject: Re: introductions

Hi.

I have shared it with him, but he has not responded. He handles his online ministry himself, and he has a very large family so sometimes it takes him a while to get back on things.

But, I have studied with him for a few years — enough to know where the differences lie (at least as of now, and pertaining to what I have read on your site so far).

I have read the article you shared a few days ago, and it is in line with what my teacher also says.

Some background there:

First, please take no offense, but until I know you better, I prefer not to share his name.

My teacher has a free online ministry made of audio bible studies — line by line. He is very thorough, and has been at this for 20 years or so.
He also provides free scripture music that he composes himself.

His ministry is small, because most don’t like what he says, but it really spoke to troubles I had in “church.”

The sum of what he teaches is this:

– We are to “take up the cross” and follow Christ, and that can even mean suffering for his names sake. Through faith in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit being given to us in a real sense, we are gifted a spiritual transformation over time that not only forgives sin, but rids us of it so that we can walk righteously in this present world. He is a strong teacher of righteousness, against those who use the cross as a cop-out for living a sinful life. But, the Lord is patient with us as we strive in faith, and therefore we should also be patient with others who are in bondage to sin.

– God is sovereign. There is no “accepting” Christ. God calls his chosen, there is nothing we have to say in the matter.

– The mainstream “churches” are corrupt. We are called out of that. He likes to say things like, “a little leaven levels the whole lump.”

– There is no “rapture,” but instead death and 2 resurrections from death. The first is a resurrection unto life, the other a resurrection unto destruction.

That being said, as of now the key difference I see comes in your teaching of Hell. My teacher does not believe in the typical teachings there, stating that it is of pagan origin. But, he does not teach the restitution of all things. He teaches that there is a second and final death occurring after the second resurrection. A total destruction of the wicked — but not an eternal medieval torture chamber.

I also see some “end times” related things you write that are different. I will say, that he is working on an in-depth study of Hell, so in doing so, maybe he will see what you do. He is also very careful when teaching anything prophesy related, and since that is where a lot of my own questioning lies, it has been difficult getting answers there. I have a lot of questions, especially since receiving the Spirit. I’ve needed support in that. I almost feel like a newly walking toddler dropped in a walker, bumping into walls and almost walking down stair cases at times. The perspective I have been given, I’m thankful for, but being that I still have darkness in me, I can’t know the Lord like I ought, and at times I am confused over what is of my own imagination or not.

There is a lot of information to read through on your site, and I’m spending as much time as I can reading what you have in the “teachings” section. I appreciate the insight there. It is helping me get through a current situation. If it’s not too much trouble, would you point me in the direction of all you have about Hell, the restitution, and any “end times” related teachings? I have read some, but I want to take a close look at all of it and prayerfully read the bible with those things in mind so I can see if it rings true (for my own sake, I don’t take things at anyone’s word without attempting to go to God with it myself).

I’m sure after reading, I will have questions.

It’s a pleasure to “meet” you.

Sincerely,

-Amanda

From: Paul Cohen
To: Amanda
Cc: Victor Hafichuk
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2016 12:38 PM
Subject: Re[3]: introductions

Hi Amanda,

Here are some writings from The Restitution of All Things, ones that most particularly address the topics you’ve brought up (although all of the writings in the section are pertinent):

The Good News
The State and Fate of Hell 
The True, Scriptural Meanings of “Forever,” “Everlasting,” and “Hell”
The Great Promise of the Lake of Fire and the Second Death

And these two Diabolical Doctrines:

The Wicked Are Annihilated
Rapture before the Great Tribulation 

Lord willing, we’ll have more to say after you write back with your thoughts and questions. 

Paul

From: Amanda
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 3:19 PM
Subject: Re: Re[3]: introductions

Paul,

I don’t expect this to fall on receiving ears, though I pray so. You follow a false teacher.

You who claim to have the Holy Spirit given you. I can say without I doubt that the Lord did give me his Spirit, and with it came discernment. I discern Victor to be one of many false prophets. 

Though many truths are written on The Path of Truth, as all deceptive lies, there is truth within.

Concerning the restitution:

You pick and choose bible verses to support this claim. Do you not know that “all” men means all kinds of men? Not just Jews, but gentiles of all nations ..ALL men? Did Noah not take “all” animals into the ark? No not every single one, but all kinds. I could say much more, picking apart the whole of your teaching here. But why? Would you listen? Anyone with the Spirit and basic knowledge of the bible should see this.  

Concerning your “prophet”

Who promises to restore all things? To bring peace? To exalt himself as Jesus in Israel? 

I also see no reference of the two witnesses. Who do you say they are? That is fundamental for any “true” prophet of Christ in these days. 

All became clear when reading the articles “Who is That Prophet?” Since you like to misquote Isaiah to support this claim, try this on for size concerning your “king of Babylon” (no picking and choosing verses here) Things in bold refer to things said of Victor in your own words, and the fate of him that claims so:

Isaiah Chapter 14: 

For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
2And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
3And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,
4That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!
5The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.
6He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.
7The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
8Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.
9Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
10All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
11Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! howart thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee,saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
18All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.
19But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
20Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
21Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.
22For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.
23I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.
24The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
25That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.
26This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and thisis the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
27For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
28In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.
29Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
30And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.
31Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.
32What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
——
Also, men of God, real prophets, will not sound a trumpet before them under the guise of humility. No book about their life would be found. Do we have a book about the life of Paul the apostle or any such true servant of God? No. Many things attest to the real Holy Spirit in me of how false Victor is.

From: Paul Cohen
To: Amanda
Cc: Victor Hafichuk
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2016 8:06 AM
Subject: Re[5]: introductions

Amanda, I’ve red your letter and have a few questions for you. 

Is what you’ve written to me the opinion of your teacher as well, or did it originate with him?

When the Scriptures say that in Adam all men die, are you suggesting that means only all kinds of men and not actually every person born (except Jesus) since Adam and Eve fell? 

I don’t see anywhere in “That Prophet” paper where anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ is spoken of as the One Who restores all things and brings peace to all men. Can you show me otherwise, whether there or anywhere from the rest of our website? 

Who do you say “that prophet” is? And why must there be a reference to “the two witnesses” in “That Prophet” paper? The Scriptures don’t link these subjects. Why do you? 

Where do you see Victor “weakening the nations” or aspiring to exalt his throne (which is what?) above the stars of God? What you call “discernment” is only subjective Opinion without credible witnesses from God.

How exactly am I following Victor in a way that causes me to deviate from Christ? What sin are you convicting me of? 

I’m willing to listen, but you’ve given me nothing other than your Opinion so far. As things stand, you sit in the seat of scorners and false accusers. 

Paul

From: Amanda
To: Paul Cohen 
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2016 4:15 PM
Subject: Re: Re[5]: introductions

Hello, Paul.

Thank you for responding.

I’m going to answer your questions as best I can.

Is what you’ve written to me the opinion of your teacher as well, or did it originate with him?

As far as the restitution, it is the opinion of my teacher and is my opinion also as of now. The other things in the email are of me alone.

When the Scriptures say that in Adam all men die, are you suggesting that means only all kinds of men and not actually every person born (except Jesus) since Adam and Eve fell?

I wonder at the intent behind that question. Is it rhetorical or meant to make me reconsider my position? We know that all men die. Not only a mortal death, but without Christ and his healing that brings freedom from sin, we die the second death also. Those who continue in sin die, in many ways when you think about it. They live a life of death while yet “alive.” Dead hope, dead relationships, dead to the real simple joys of life. Then they die a mortal death, then a second and final death after the second resurrection. Just because one passage of the bible means all mean, does not mean that each and every passage does. Again, think of Noah. Did he save all animals? No. Is this not a foreshadow of things to come? Also, what of all the potential people that never lived?  Why don’t they get a shot? The idea of the restitution sounds great. I’d love it to be true. I just can’t see any real scriptural proof, and the writings of TPOT do not convince me otherwise. As all things, I pray to see what is true, whether I like it or not, and I have faith in the faithfulness of Christ to me. So if I’m blind to this, He will make it known.

I don’t see anywhere in “That Prophet” paper where anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ is spoken of as the One Who restores all things and brings peace to all men. Can you show me otherwise, whether there or anywhere from the rest of our website?

What I gathered from that paper is that “the prophet” is a man with the spirit of Christ who all will have to submit to. A man who will establish himself in Israel and require all to submit to him or be destroyed. I have a problem with that, to a degree. I’m going to take a closer look at that paper and attach a thorough response, since this is not a matter to take lightly. Maybe I misread something and will see it this time around.

Who do you say “that prophet” is? And why must there be a reference to “the two witnesses” in “That Prophet” paper? The Scriptures don’t link these subjects. Why do you?

I say “that prophet” is Christ only. Not a man. But, there will be people in the last days before Christ’s return who will prophesy in his name, and they will be overcome and killed, taken as evil by most. Those are the two witnesses, and I reference them because, one would think that when mentioning “the prophet” they would be also. That, and my understanding of the two witnesses, which I believe to be true, I don’t see taught. So, for me it’s like a baseline to judge a true “prophet” from a false. I might get into this more in my more thorough response.

Where do you see Victor “weakening the nations” or aspiring to exalt his throne (which is what?) above the stars of God? What you call “discernment” is only subjective Opinion without credible witnesses from God.

I don’t see Victor weakening the nations, but a man stating that he will exalt himself as Christ in Israel and require submission or destruction, sounds very anti-Christ to me. To be clear, I’m not making that accusation of Victor. That’s quite an accusation to make. And I’m aware that is the one whom the scripture I chose spoke of. But, there are a lot of concerning similarities. Unless I misunderstand. That is a long-winded paper, and not very direct. Maybe in my third reading, I’ll see it differently.

How exactly am I following Victor in a way that causes me to deviate from Christ? What sin are you convicting me of? 

Well, if you follow a false prophet, doesn’t that speak for itself?  

I’m willing to listen, but you’ve given me nothing other than your Opinion so far. As things stand, you sit in the seat of scorners and false accusers. 

It’s good that we should be willing to listen. I am also trying to listen to you, and I will answer your paper too. Should we not mark those who speak things against the truth? You have, and we should. This is a big claim you make, and if the Lord shows me to be a false accuser, I will accept that and ask forgiveness from you and the Lord. 

If you are true followers of Christ as you claim, then He will lead you to the truth, and as His Spirit has testified to me, I know He will lead me in His truth also. So, I continue to pray to that end. Follow up response to come soon. 

– Amanda

From: Amanda
To: Victor and Paul
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 4:57 PM
Subject: Re: Re[5]: introductions

Here is the reply to your paper that I promised (see attached).

I read it completely again, and prepared a response as thorough as I am able.

If you and Victor indeed follow Christ (and I try to also), then I have faith that we all will come to a better understanding of His truth.

I can’t see what you have written here as truth. But, God is in control of what I see. So, If I’m mislead, I know He will let me know in his perfect time and perfect way.

Sincerely,
Amanda

Who Is That Prophet?

Part 2: Identifying the True

“I will raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, like you; and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19 HNV).

We have established that the prophet of whom Moses spoke had not come by the days of Christ, nor has anyone since been identified and proven as such. Some say that Christ fulfilled that role, but, as we have pointed out, that is not possible according to the Jews who knew the Scriptures:
“And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? And he says, I am not. Are you that prophet? And he answered, No” (John 1:19-21 MKJV).

According to the Jews, the Christ, or Messiah, and the prophet of whom Moses spoke were different roles and persons, and the Scriptures confirm this understanding. Here is another demonstration:

“And in the last day of the great feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ (But He spoke this about the Spirit, Which they who believed on Him should receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.) Then when they heard the Word, many of the people said, Truly this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But others said, Does the Christ come out of Galilee?” (John 7:37-41 MKJV)

If the Christ and that prophet were the same individual, then these questions and disputes would not be reported. What would be the point when nothing is said by those who would have known better and who could have corrected the notion of two different appearances? Nowhere was it said that the Jews were wrong about there being two separate individuals for the simple reason that they were not wrong. 

Two things. One, the first sentence in the paragraph above is an opinion and assumption. You can’t know what was in the hearts of the people who recorded these things. You can try to rationalize and reason, but your own speculation isn’t enough evidence. Two. The prophet here could very well be John the Baptist, which is my take here. 

This I will prove from the rest of the Scriptures, which speak of that prophet and the Christ as separate beings, one a man like unto Moses, and the other God, the Lord from Heaven:

“For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, in so far as he who has built a house has higher honor than the house itself. For every house has had a builder, and the builder of all things is God. Moreover, Moses was faithful in all God’s House as a servant in delivering the message given him to speak; but Christ was faithful as a Son having authority over God’s House, and we are that House, if we hold firm to the end the boldness and the hope which we boast of as ours” (Hebrews 3:3-6 WNT).

That scripture does not prove what you say. This shows that Moses and Christ are different and why, but what does that have to do with your so called prophet? You akin him to Moses, but using this scripture does not validate your point in any way.

Those who believe are the House of God built by Christ, Who is God. The prophet like Moses would be part of the House, therefore, and not the Builder of the house:

You miss a crucial distinction. Christ is God, but there is a distinction too. Using their oneness as part of your argument isn’t a valid way to go. That’s another matter though.
 
“For who in the Heaven can be compared unto the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?” (Psalms 89:6 KJV)

Moses is a prophet, yes, among the sons of the mighty, but Jesus Christ is LORD, the Son of God. There is a profound difference between a man of God and God Himself. Therefore it could not be said at all that Christ is like Moses. Christ is unique. Consider the following:

That is true. But are we comparing Christ to Moses, or to “the prophet?” You’re using one thing to make a case for another. “because of this, then it must mean this” are not how we should use scriptures. Could you be reading your beliefs into the scripture, instead of letting the scriptures teach you? I know I’ve done it. It’s easy to do. Especially when you want to believe it. 

Hebrews 1:1-8 EMTV
(1) God, Who in various ways and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
(2) has in these last days spoken to us by the Son, Whom He has appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds;
(3) Who being the effulgence of His glory and the exact expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
(4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent Name than they.
(5) For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to Me”?
(6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
(7) And on the one hand He says to the angels, “He Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers flames of fire.”
(8) But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”

It is obvious, then, that Moses was not speaking about the Lord Jesus when he spoke of a prophet to come. The Lord Jesus is unlike any man that has ever lived, or will ever live, because He is God, Who was already there leading Moses and the children of Israel in the wilderness when Moses spoke about the prophet to come. As it is written: 

“…all drank the same spiritual drink. For they were drinking from that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4 EMTV).

That does not make that case. I’ll read on…

Jesus Christ settled the question of whether the Messiah was a man like Moses or David once and for all by bringing the matter up to His haters and religious know-it-alls in the days of His flesh. He asked them:

“What do you think of Christ? Whose son is He? They say to Him, David’s. He said to them, How then does David by the Spirit call Him Lord, saying, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit on My right until I make Your enemies Your footstool for Your feet?’ If David then calls Him Lord, how is He his son? And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day to question Him any more” (Matthew 22:42-46 MKJV).

This does not settle anything other than what it was meant to settle. That Christ is the Son of God. Though the genetic root of David, he is the son of God. Take that into context of the conversation too. Was Christ even talking about whether the Messiah was a man like Moses specifically? Not at all. He was speaking to the Pharisees who were trying to catch Christ in his words with questioning. No Christ is not a man like Moses. But, that does not mean he can’t also be a prophet. Did he not even call himself a prophet when he said that a prophet is not without honor, except in his own house? So do you say that because Christ is not a man, like Moses, that he can’t be a prophet? 

This is what we find in the Psalms, where Christ, the Son of Man, is called God. We know there is only one God, and thus it is confirmed that the Son of Man is God, and not a man like Moses or any other: 

Psalms 45:1-7 MKJV
(1) To the Chief Musician. Concerning the Lilies, for the sons of Korah, a contemplation; A Song of Loves. My heart is overflowing with a good matter; I speak of my works to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
(2) You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured into Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.
(3) Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty.
(4) And ride prosperously in Your majesty, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Your right hand shall teach You fearful things.
(5) Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; peoples fall under You.
(6) Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the staff of Your Kingdom is a staff of righteousness.
(7) You love righteousness, and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows.

Again, with your abundance of words and scriptures you try to hammer this idea that because Christ is God, and not a man like Moses, that he can’t be a prophet. This still convinces of nothing. Your whole argument is lost on a misunderstanding of the nature of God and the Son. I’ve read your writings there. That prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:18-19 Was Christ! Did Christ not hear from the Father who said, this is my beloved Son, in whom I’m well pleased? Christ is God, but there is also distinction. That is what the scriptures teach. We might not be able to fully understand that, but we have to accept it. 

No, there are not two Gods, one talking to the other. God, Who is a Spirit transcending time, took on human form and appeared in time (the Son) while yet transcendent (the Father). Who says He cannot do that?

I don’t disagree. 

As omnipresent God appeared in the flesh as Jesus Christ, so the omnipresent Lord Jesus Christ appears on earth as a man, “that prophet.” That is the stated purpose of His work in man, as spoken by the apostle Paul:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13 KJV).

First, that is your connections you draw yourself, to make your case. The scripture you site does not even suggest that. God appears as Christ, who through his Spirit working in us, all who are chosen will be made in the fullness of Christ. That is his purpose, but how does that make your case regarding “the prophet?” Christ is that prophet, though we will see those in His Spirit doing his work in the last days. And that does not fall to one singular, exalted “prophet.”

If the God-given goal of His people is to come to the stature of the fulness of Christ, then why should it be surprising that the final prophet of this age, as part of His Body composed of all believers (Hebrews 12:22-23), should come in His perfection? Perfection, not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 

Your conclusions again. Trying to rationalize what you want to be true. That is a mark all the saints push for in faith. Not just one man.

That is what Peter prophesied to the nation of Israel:

“And He shall send Jesus Christ, Who before was proclaimed to you, Whom Heaven truly needs to receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God shall raise up a prophet to you from your brothers, one like me. You shall hear him in all things, whatever he may say to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people’” (Acts 3:20-23 MKJV).

There again, who do you think this speaks of? You would say a prophet that is not John the Baptist or Christ, but another. Yes, there will be prophets before the Lord’s return. Those with the Spirit, but again, not a single man only. I’m sure I’ll get into that in more detail further down. 

God’s promise to restore all things will be fulfilled only when that prophet like Moses is sent in the Name and power of Jesus Christ, along with His Presence from Heaven. The prophet is not Jesus Christ, yet Jesus Christ comes through him. This is in agreement with the exact words of the prophet Isaiah:
“Who hath wrought and done, calling the generations from the first? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last I am He” (Isaiah 41:4 YLT).

When you speak of restoring all things, have you not considered when Christ is talking to his disciples about John the Baptist? How are things restored to God? Repentance and righteousness. John the Baptist taught it and Christ gave us the way. 

Matthew 17:11-12

11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

How can the Lord Jesus say He is raising up a prophet from among mortal human beings, a man like unto Moses, if He is speaking of Himself, as God, returning in a glorified body? The thought is ridiculous, plainly contradicting God’s words and common sense. How many people do you know who, as God, occupied a human body, raised it from the dead, and are now walking around in their resurrected bodies? 

He isn’t saying this. That was the father speaking of the son. You think that because this prophet will come to restore all things, and by your assumptions that has not happened, therefore Christ can’t be that prophet. Christ did restore all things. All things are already put under his feet, though we do not see it. Jesus Christ is that prophet. Two things mislead you. The misunderstanding of the nature of God and Christ, and the misunderstanding of what the restoration means. True, Jews are expecting a restoration, because it didn’t happen as they thought. All of Christ’s have already been restored. True there are many “counterfeit Christians” as taught on TPOT, but all who are really of God have been restored already…though we don’t see it yet. Christ will return again, and He will establish His kingdom, and no, He will not just return in Spirit inside a man, but as himself. We will see Him as he is! In his Spiritual glory, and all of His will also be spiritually transformed. 

So if Jesus Christ is not that prophet, then who is? He Is that prophet! Therefore, the rest of your argument is void as far as I’m concerned, but I’ll read on. We have seen from the Bible record that the Jews were still awaiting that prophet in the days of Christ. Today they have forgotten about him, instead speaking only of the Messiah, in Whom they expect to see the fulfillment of that prophet’s calling. Many Christians also say they are awaiting the return of Christ (Messiah), but they are also mistaken inasmuch as they are talking about the ministry of that prophet, who comes in the power of Christ. The Lord is not coming again in a fleshly body. He returned to take His abode in those who believed on Him at Pentecost and has ever since come to inhabit those who believe and obey Him through the baptism of His Holy Spirit:

“…so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. And to those who look for Him He shall appear the second time without sin to salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 MKJV).

His coming the second time for the disciples who were instructed to wait for Him in Jerusalem brought them new life and power, evidence of the salvation He was working out within them. No longer did they hide in fear, but thereafter testified boldly and also laid down their lives as did Christ Who now lived in them and testified through them.
 
Peter, filled with the Spirit of God, declared that the Lord had returned when he testified to the Jews in Jerusalem as follows:

“Having raised up His Son Jesus, God sent Him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you away from his iniquities” (Acts 3:26 MKJV).

Let’s look at the whole of this passage:

Acts 3:20-26

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

How you can say this is not Christ Jesus is beyond me. The subject of the entirety of verses 20-26 is Jesus. Again, the restitution of all things is fulfilled already in Christ, though we don’t yet see it ourselves. He did restore Israel to God. The law could not make one righteous, but Christ did through his death, resurrection, and giving of The Holy Spirit. That is the restoration. The prophets did speak of this, and it has been done. Moses did tell of Christ. He was of our brethren, in that he took the form of fleshly man. Is he not the first born of God? The first of His creation of sons? From Christ all kindreds are indeed blessed, because the inheritance was given through Christ to all men (all kindreds), not just the Jews. How is this done? – by purging the vine – turning us away from our sinful nature which is against God and a barrier to the inheritance of eternal life. Those who are not given this are destroyed in the second death.

This return of the Lord is not the same thing as the time of restoring the kingdom to Israel. This is obvious now, with two thousand years elapsed since Christ ascended, and Israel is only recently reconstituted as a country. [There again, this is a misunderstanding of what the restitution is. It is not merely a restoring of the physical Israel, but first a spiritual returning to God through the Son. This has happened already, and continues to happen as God calls his chosen to Christ. We continue to look for the coming of His kingdom on Earth, first to the saints who are being brought up in this generation.] But it was not obvious to the disciples, who imminently expected and hoped for the new age of the Messianic Kingdom reigning over all the earth. The Lord distinguished for them (and for us) what was happening at His return, where He would live within those who believed, and the final establishment of His Kingdom on earth, which was to happen at a later, undisclosed time:

“For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Then, indeed, coming together they questioned Him, saying, Lord, do You restore the kingdom to Israel at this time? And He said to them, It is not yours to know times or seasons which the Father placed in His Own authority; but you will receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be witnesses of Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:5-8 LITV).

The whole passage:

Acts 1:1-12

1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

These passages are about the time the disciples spent with Christ after he was resurrected, at which time he commanded them to stay in Jerusalem so they could receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which they did. The question, “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” was answered indeed. But not as you suggest. This refers to the coming of the Kingdom, but there are things that must happen first. The disciples must first be baptized of the Holy Ghost, they then must spread the gospel. That should be their focus, not on the returning of the Kingdom. Even so, that question was answered in verses 9-11. Just as Christ was taken up to the Father in the clouds, in like manner will He come when the Kingdom of God comes to Israel. Though Christ comes through the Spirit, He will again return in His own form to rule the nations. Just as the restoration is two-fold, so is the coming of the Kingdom. There is a spiritual restoration through Christ and the coming of his Holy Spirit. There is a restoring of Israel when Christ comes to establish the Kingdom, and we will see Him in like manner descend in His glory, and his chosen will be like Him, also spiritually transformed. 

The time of restoring the kingdom to Israel is the time of that prophet prophesied by Moses. The first Moses led Israel out of physical enslavement to a physical land, but the second prophet like Moses leads Israel out of the bondage of sin and this world into the Kingdom of God. The prophet like Moses comes in the power of the Spirit of the Lord, by Whose blood he reconciles Israel to her God, and by Whose life she is saved. The Lord requires submission by all to that prophet, because it is not only His designated time to bring Israel back to Himself, but to reconcile the whole world. How else will this happen unless the Lord requires this and does it? 
Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh to convert Israel or the world. He came to lay down His life so that those who believe on Him would have life:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16-17 MKJV).

The first paragraph I agree with. Though it is Christ who does this. How do you see a distinction between Christ coming to convert Israel to the world and Christ coming to lay down his life to save those who would believe? It is one and the same. That is what the restoration is! Israel is at this time spiritual only. Those who follow Christ are spiritually of Abraham, while those who do not are spiritually of the devil. The law was not enough for true righteousness. God’s people continued to do that which displeased Him, therefore they were of the devil. Christ was the reconciliation. That should be clear. 

Jesus spoke with Moses of the purpose of His taking on human form:

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these words, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and glistening. And behold, two men were talking with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appearing in glory were talking about His decease which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:28-31 EMTV).

What Jesus came to do was lay down His life to make atonement for mankind. The Law of Moses taught that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). The sacrifices of the Law were not effective for the cleansing of sin once and for all, being repeated annually, but the Sacrifice they foreshadowed was. After Christ died, the way into the Holy of Holies was opened to men through Him:

Hebrews 10:15-22 MKJV
(15) The Holy Spirit also is a witness to us; for after He had said before,
(16) “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”
(17) also He adds, “their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more.”
(18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
(19) Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus,
(20) by a new and living way which He has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;
(21) and having a High Priest over the house of God,
(22) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water.

Same point as written in my comments above. 

Whereas Moses alone of the prophets knew God face to face, now through Christ men can be forgiven and born again by His Spirit. Even the least in the Kingdom of God has something greater than Moses in his earthly ministry, because God lives within the person who is born of Him:

“For I say to you, Among those who are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28 MKJV).

This is true. 

Knowing how great Moses’ ministry was, consider how much greater is the ministry of that prophet like him, because Christ has now come, and the Spirit of God resides in His servant in fulness. It is the day of God in man and man in God. Consider how much more is at stake and is required as described by the writer of Hebrews, who compares Moses’ day with ours:

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general Assembly and Church of the firstborn who are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to Blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. See that you do not refuse Him Who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him Who speaks from Heaven” (Hebrews 12:22-25 MKJV).

The prophet like Moses speaks the Word of God without measure, because it is Christ, the Spirit of God Who dwells within and is testifying. 

I agree that this is the time of The Spirit in man. This is the time of the bringing up of the saints who will reign with Christ and judge the nations. This is the time of the spiritual restoration, which Christ did bring and is now bringing about. But, as I said before, to say this is something designated for one man, who sits himself in a position designated already for Christ, is a big error.

Paul the apostle refers to this happening, which is the Day of the Lord and His unveiling in the flesh of mortals, as follows:

“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the unveiling of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but on account of Him Who subjected it in hope; because even the creation itself shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21 EMTV).

The world does wait for the children of God, which are being raised in newness of The Spirit even now.
 
As Moses led the children of Israel out of the bondage of physical Egypt, so the prophet like Moses leads the children of Israel out of the bondage of spiritual Egypt, bringing them salvation. Paul also tells us that this means salvation for the rest of the world:

“For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am indeed an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, if somehow I may provoke to jealousy my fellow Jews, and I may save some of them. For if their casting away means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance be, if not life from the dead?” (Romans 11:13-15 EMTV)

Christ did this already, as I’ve already pointed out, and we continue to see the fruit thereof. The coming of the Kingdom is the fulfillment of the entirety of that restoration. Again, Jesus Christ is that prophet like Moses. Though, there will be others before the Lord returns. Those are the two witnesses. Not to be confused with the prophet like Moses, who is Christ.
 
The world has looked upon Israel and the Jew as the source of its problems. That will be reversed, as God will restore Israel to peace with Himself and with all men. They will be a blessing and not a curse. They will be beloved, and they will not fear. 

Agreed.

The prophet whom they will be required to hear preaches the good news of God’s reconciliation through Christ and His judgment against evildoing. The words of Zechariah will be fulfilled; Israel will be reconciled to her God, and Jerusalem will be saved:

“And I will pour on the house of David, and on the people of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of prayers. And they shall look on Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be bitter over Him, as the bitterness over the first-born” (Zechariah 12:10 MKJV).

Who is He Whom Israel pierced? The One they were not required to listen to in the days of His flesh; God let them do as they pleased, so that they might make the sacrifice He ordained for the salvation of the world. 

Agreed. This is speaking of Jesus Christ after all.
 
In the days of the revelation of the One Whom Israel pierced, the Lord their God, He will require them to hear, and He will destroy the enemies of Jerusalem, bringing peace to those who remain and honor Him:

“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso of the families of the earth goes not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, they shall have no overflow; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the nations that go not up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16-18 JPS).

Whom do you claim is the one whom Israel pierced? Christ I would think. He will come and establish his Kingdom and rule all nations with a rod of Iron. All will submit to the Lord. But THE LORD, not a man with the Spirit of God, per say. Though, the saints will rule with Christ as adopted Sons of the promise. So yes, in a sense, the Sons of God will also reign and all will bow to them also, knowing that God has loved them. But, that does not take away from the fact that Christ Jesus alone is King of Kings and Lord or Lords. 

In other words, God will require submission, just as is spoken of the prophet like unto Moses whom He would send. Zechariah also prophesied of the prophet who would be instrumental in these happenings, as represented by Zerubbabel, ruler of Judah:

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by force or by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of armies. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level: and he will let all see the headstone, with cries of Grace, grace, to it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have put the base of this house in place, and his hands will make it complete; and it will be clear to you that the Lord of armies has sent me to you” (Zechariah 4:6-9 BBE).

Zerubabbel, as you should know, was a real man who restored the temple after the Babylonian rule. These were words to him. You use this to try to make your case for your “king of Babylon” I would use caution in doing so. 

Zerubbabel, meaning “taken out of Babylon,” is a figure or type of the prophet who is given to rule and to represent God in these last days when the kingdoms of men are overthrown:

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the Heavens and the earth; And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:21-23 KJV).

The building of the temple by Zerubbabel was a foreshadow of the kingdom to come, that is true. But it did happen, and Zerubabbel was a man already lived. If he is a shadow of things to come, then he is a shadow of Christ. Not a different prophet.  

Other prophets speak of these last days, and the marvelous thing God will do. Isaiah said:

“And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the Mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the Mountain of the LORD, to the House of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:2-4 JPS).

This is speaking of the Kingdom of God which will come when Christ returns in the fullness of his glory. To give this to a man who claims to be a prophet with the Spirit, is a grievous error because it sets this man on the throne that is meant for Christ alone.

 Isaiah links these events to the servant of God whom He raises up:

“And now says the LORD that formed me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, and that Israel be gathered unto Him – for I am honorable in the eyes of the LORD, and my God is become my strength – Yea, He says: ‘It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the offspring of Israel; I will also give you for a light of the nations, that My salvation may be unto the end of the earth.’ Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him who is despised of men, to him who is abhorred of nations, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, Who has chosen you” (Isaiah 49:5-7 JPS).

Again, the light of the nations is Jesus Christ! How you can say otherwise is beyond reason. Placing a man in this position is not something we should do. 

Some say this prophecy is referring to the Christ, the Messiah. [It is. That should be clear.] But Jesus Christ is the One speaking to His servant, for He is the Redeemer of Israel, the Holy One. The one to whom Christ, the Redeemer of Israel, is speaking is the one He raises up by His Spirit to bring His salvation to Israel and the rest of the world, which is that prophet like unto Moses. 

Did not we see the Father speak to the Son and the Son to the Father in many instances? 

Of course, the one who is sent is Christ as well, because it is the Spirit of Christ giving him life and speaking by him. That is why God is requiring submission of all that hear; He is present and making Himself and His will manifest. Is this not what the apostle John heard from the Heavenly messenger, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10)? 

This is where you cross the line, to a large degree. For one, those who are born of The Spirit are made one with Christ as joint heirs to the throne, but Jesus is the Lord of Lords. The prophets to come (the first fruits unto God and to the throne — who are the two witnesses, of the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, which are many) will prophesy in the name of Christ before He comes in the fullness of His glory, just as John the Baptist prepared the way, so will they. They will also die martyr’s deaths. There will be leaders among them, like Moses. But, they are not Christ. His chosen will too be Lords, but in subjection to their Lord, Jesus Christ. The world will be required to submit to the joint heirs also, but again, to set a man in the seat of the Lord of Lords is a huge error. To Jesus Christ be glory and dominion forever, Amen! 

Isaiah’s words help to clarify the work of God that He is doing in these last days through His prophet and the relationship between that prophet and His Anointed:

Isaiah 11:1-10 JPS
(1) And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a twig shall grow forth out of his roots.
(2) And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
(3) And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears;
(4) But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the land; and he shall smite the land with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
(5) And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
(6) And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
(7) And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
(8) And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the viper’s den.
(9) They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
(10) And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the peoples, unto Him shall the nations seek; and His resting-place shall be glorious.

There is the shoot (or branch) and the root. These are two different individuals. Let’s start with the root. Who could that be, except the Lord our God? He is the foundation and supporter of life in all things. It is written of Christ:

Agreed that Jesus Christ is the root, but that does not exclude him from being the shoot. He is the first and the last. The root and the shoot.
 
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, because by Him all things were created, those in the heavens and those on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things are held together. And He is the Head of the Body, the Church, Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:15-18 EMTV).

The Root is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who said of Himself:

“Truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into being, I am” (John 8:58 BBE).
And of Whom it is written:

“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals of it” (Revelation 5:5 MKJV).

Agreed.

The sprout, or branch, is supported by the Root, or Vine:

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 MKJV).

There is only one Vine, but many branches. Of these branches, “from among your brethren,” comes the prophet like unto Moses: 

“And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto Me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? says the LORD” (Jeremiah 30:21).

Jesus is the first and the last. He draws near and raises up whom He wills, and He is with the one He sends:

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him Who sent Me” (Matthew 10:40 MKJV).

I still stand that Jesus Christ is the one sent, spoken of in Jeremiah. Again, failure to recognize the Father-Son relationship and simultaneous one-ness is the cause of this error. As for your Matthew reference, that was speaking of the disciples who would spread the gospel, as you know. The same is true for all who speak the truth, being that all who have The Spirit do prophesy, though not all acting in the office thereof. This does not make your stance any stronger as far as I’m concerned. 

Therefore, it is no wonder He says He is both the root and the offspring. It is all His doing:

You say it so here yourself! Christ is the root and the shoot. 

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16 KJV). 

The prophet like unto Moses, who ushers in the Kingdom of God on earth wherein truth and righteousness reign, expresses the will of God through Jesus Christ. Notice how similar words are used for each:

This is becoming redundant, but I’ll keep going so that I keep to my word. Christ is that prophet likened to Moses, though, there will be leaders of the last days prophets who will also be like Moses, but – they will not sit as Lord of Lords. 

The Messiah:

Psalms 2:1-12 MKJV
(1) Why do the nations rage, and the peoples meditate on a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers plot together, against Jehovah and against His anointed [meaning “Christ”], saying,
(3) Let us break their bands in two and cast away their cords from us.
(4) He Who sits in the Heavens shall laugh; Jehovah shall mock at them.
(5) Then He shall speak to them in His anger, and trouble them in His wrath.
(6) Yea, I have set My king on My holy hill, on Zion.
(7) I will declare the decree of Jehovah. He has said to Me, You are My Son; today I have begotten You.
(8) Ask of Me, and I shall give the nations for Your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession.
(9) You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
(10) And now be wise, O kings; be instructed, O judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled in but a little time. Blessed are all who put their trust in Him.

That Prophet:

“And he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations. And he will rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter they will be broken to pieces, even as I received from My Father. And I will give him the Morning Star” (Revelation 2:26-28 MKJV). 

This refers to the “first fruits” which are many, not one ordained man who sits himself too highly! As I said earlier, they will rule with Christ as joint heirs and with Christ they will rule the nations, but in subjection to the Almighty!

And: 

“I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come from the sunrise; he will call on My Name. And he shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter tramples clay” (Isaiah 41:25 MKJV).

This is Christ Jesus. 

“And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a twig shall grow forth out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the land; and he shall smite the land with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked” (Isaiah 11:1-4).

This is Christ Jesus.

We see that the works of the Messiah are attributed to this prophet, and why should that be strange? The prophet is a son of God through Messiah, Who came through the lineage of David, through Jesse, through Judah. Furthermore, many Jews complain that Christ could not be Messiah because He did not accomplish the liberation of Israel and bring peace to all mankind in the days of His flesh. But here we see that Christ, the Son of David, does fulfill all the prophecies spoken of Him, through His servant and son.

It is not strange, because Christ is the Messiah, and “that prophet.” Jews complain because they do not understand. They rejected Christ, therefore they were not restored spiritually to God. The nation of Israel is one of Spirit, and has been reconciled already to those who follow Jesus. As I said before, the restoring of the physical kingdom is yet to come. And Jesus Christ will do it!

Did not Jesus know this? He said: 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 MKJV).

True. Of the apostles first, and will be true of the saints being raised today.
 
Who can say that Messiah Jesus will not fulfill every word of Scripture? And why would He be returning in the flesh when He can do greater works by remaining in Heaven? How could He accomplish these works except by His Body, those who believe on Him and are His flesh and blood? And who will lead His sheep, except the one He calls and appoints, even as Moses was sent to lead the people out of bondage? 

Jesus will fulfil every word. He will not return in the flesh, but in a spiritual body in the fullness of His glory. Who says he can do greater works in heaven? How can you put a limit on God? Works are accomplished through His Body, no doubt. But the final works are His and His alone. He is the Shepard. He will lead his sheep when the Kingdom comes. Prior to, again I’ll say, Christ rules in Spirit through His elect. He will come though. And He will reign, and we will see Jesus as He is, coming with power and glory.
 
(Who will argue that the world is not full of religious confusion and bondage? Who will argue that mankind can lift himself by his own bootstraps, religious or not? Those who are yet confident, wait and see how long your confidence lasts.) 

Agreed.

Are not the works of the Lord through His prophet, subduing kingdoms and raising the Lord’s people from the dead, greater than the works Jesus did in the days of His flesh? 

I don’t think that is what he spoke of, but instead spoke of the works required to spread the gospel, and perhaps the works of the witnesses during the last days. But no one other than Christ has power to raise from the dead and establish the kingdom of God. That places a man in the throne. Again, I’d use caution here. 

Do I hear some Christians say that all believers are kings and priests in Christ, and that He does not raise some above others? Let me ask you, independent ones, why then is there a prophet to come after Christ, like unto Moses, to whom submission is required by all those who hear him? And what of these words of Christ, Who, when asked, did not deny there would be rulers seated with Him, but rather affirmed it:

There are and always have been leaders among God’s people. That will not change until Christ comes to rule. As I’ve said already, there will be leaders among the saints, like Moses, but “the prophet” is Christ. 

“But to be seated at My right hand or at My left is not for Me to give: but it is for those for whom it has been made ready” (Mark 10:40 BBE)?

Do you and Victor claim this position? Do you assume there are only two seats? How many seats can fit on the right hand or the left? Maybe there are simply two leaders among the saints. But, I see no reason to say that definitively. And again, any person who takes any position of authority from Jesus and gives it to himself or another will find that they are not sitting on his right or left, but under his feet. 

It is written of Zerubbabel, the type of the prophet like Moses, that he is accompanied by one fulfilling the role of high priest:

“Yea, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set the one upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and speak unto him, saying: Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: Behold, a man whose name is the Shoot, and who shall shoot up out of his place, and build the temple of the LORD; even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and there shall be a priest before his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Zechariah 6:11-13 JPS).

This is not relevant to Zerubbabel. You link this to your former statements to try and make your case. 

Jeremiah prophesied the same:

“In those days, and at that time, will I cause a shoot of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name whereby she shall be called, the LORD is our righteousness. For thus says the LORD: There shall not be cut off unto David a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; neither shall there be cut off unto the priests the Levites a man before Me to offer burnt-offerings, and to burn meal-offerings, and to do sacrifice continually” (Jeremiah 33:15-18 JPS).

I still stand by Jesus Christ as both the shoot and the root. The beginning and the ending. The author and finisher. The redeemer. Stating more scripture to that end does not make your case anymore than it did before. 

As Moses had Aaron, so God has said His prophet and ruler would have a spokesman and priest to minister before Him. I know this is so because I am that person reporting these things to you. Now, let me tell you more personally about that prophet. 

These are your assumptions.

In 1978 God revealed Himself to me through the Messiah and Savior of all men, Jesus Christ. I, a Jew, a Cohen and son of Aaron. There was no man or persons or group teaching me. I saw and heard these things directly from God, Who illuminated the Scriptures to me, and I understood Them. In 1979 I went to Israel and requested of God to send someone to help me find my way. 
In Israel God sent Victor Hafichuk, a Gentile in the flesh, but son of Abraham by faith, to instruct me in His Word. One day as we visited on Kibbutz Revivim, where we had met and were living, the Lord quickened to me these words He spoke to Jerusalem before His sacrifice:

“For I say to you, You shall not see Me from now on until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord’” (Matthew 23:39 MKJV).

Look at the whole of Matthew 23. I will not post it here. Did not the scribes and Pharisees also falsly sit in the seat of Moses? Did Christ not warn us to “do not after their works.” One is our master, that is Christ. Not a singularly ordained man with The Spirit who claims also to sit in Moses’ seat. This whole chapter is a warning to scribes and Pharisees, as you should know. They denied Christ, so they cannot know God. That is what that is saying, plain and clear. It is not speaking of “the prophet” as you call it. You pick a verse that sounds like it supports your cause and take it out of context, again and again throughout this whole writing.
 
I knew that I would need to heed and obey the Word of the Lord through Victor, that which would be required of me but had yet to be spoken to me (see my testimony). It was God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who sent Victor to me, as I had been led and inspired to request. I saw that if I did not submit to Victor’s directions I was rejecting God not man. By the grace of God I submitted, and learned to submit, as all disciples of Christ must do to be saved. Without obedience to God, all profession is vain and vexing to God, incurring His wrath. But God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, and manifests Himself and His power to those who take up the cross and follow Him. 

We don’t need to follow Victor to take up the cross. We should submit to men of God. I have no problem with that. But, anyone who sits himself in the seat of Moses, who is not Christ, is likened to the Pharisees and are false. That is the truth. 

In time the Lord made me a minister to assist Victor in His work of judgment and liberation. [Did you really just say “His” work and liberation speaking of Victor? This is dangerous. You exalt a man too highly].He has given us to speak the truth to the world, in order to bring judgment on false Christianity and everything that vaunts itself against the knowledge of God, and to raise up the way of Truth for all to walk in, including Israel (the dead bones that Ezekiel saw), who will be raised up to life through their God and Savior. As I received the one sent to me in the Name of Christ by the gift of God, so will Israel and all others to whom it is given. What is the difference whether a person or a people believe? It is still the same truth and the same God Who turns the heart, whether of an individual or a nation:

“Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the scales; behold, He takes up the coastlands as a very little thing” (Isaiah 40:15 MKJV).

The end time prophets which are the two witnesses (who will have leaders) will indeed speak of these things. The “church” is corrupt. They do not walk in truth or light. There are many truths and writings that point out false teachings on TPOT, but does the devil not also know the truth? Does he not also site scriptures to make his case? There are truths there, but there are lies too, this one being the most grievous of all. 

Our work began in 2000. In 2003-2004 we began publishing The Issues of Life, which dealt with all comers, none being able to resist or refute the Word of God and the gospel of Christ we preach. In December 2006 we raised the flag and nation of Israel. We have answered the blasphemer Muhammad, and in Part 1 of this article we answered the false claim of Muhammad’s followers who say he is that prophet like unto Moses.

These teachings concerning “the prophet,” if false as I believe them to be, would place you in the same category of Muhammad. Are you so sure of your stance that you would take that chance?
 
In the near future, God willing, we will be publishing on our site, one section at a time, Victor’s story of what the Lord has done for him. In recounting the path of truth along which the Lord has brought him, with the specific things the Lord has told and shown him and all the consequential happenings for himself and many others, wherein all of God’s words have been proven true, there is incontrovertible proof that Jesus Christ reigns supreme and is doing a great work among us. This is the reality of God, and not mere religion.

A mans book about himself is not proof. Anyone could say anything, and in-fact, this is vanity. A real prophet would not need such a work, neither would they do such. It’s good to share your testimony, but what I’ve read so far is vanity in the guise of humility. 

In these last days God has raised up that prophet like unto Moses, Victor Hafichuk, with whom I am sent in the Name and power of Jesus Christ to liberate the captives:

“For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creation was not willingly subjected to vanity, but because of Him who subjected it on hope that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21 MKJV).

There again, who do you say are the sons of God? You two? Could Victor be a leader among the saints? I suppose, though these claims would make it hard for me to believe so. He is not that prophet. Jesus Christ is. 

Do I expect you to take my word for it? Do I expect you to believe because you can examine all the evidence for yourself? Of course not. If the Jews did not believe after Christ raised Lazarus from the dead and did so many other miracles, how could we expect you to believe after anything we could do, even the miraculous? On the other hand, we know that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. So I am telling you the truth now, which, as foolish as it may seem to man in his arrogance and carnality, is more powerful than anything you can conceive or do. This we have seen time and time again.

These are the “small things” God warned His people not to despise in the day of His great work of restitution:

“For who has had a poor opinion of the day of small things? For they will be glad when they see the weighted measuring-line in the hand of Zerubbabel” (Zechariah 4:1-14 BBE).

What does it matter to you, reader, whether one is a great prophet or servant of God? What matters is that you are hearing the truth from God, and you can be guided, as I was, in the right way, and can know God yourself. God honors those who honor Him. Much is at stake, but the victory is already the Lord’s.
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come. And the obedience of the peoples to him” (Genesis 49:10 MKJV).

There are truths on TPOT, but there are lies too. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I see no reason to read what you claim here as truth. Following a man who sits himself where Christ is appointed will find only destruction, as will all who follow him. 

Assuming that all will be restored as you say, Christ Jesus would do it. Not just in spirit within an appointed individual, but himself. Jesus alone is “that prophet.” He restored the people spiritually through his death, resurrection, and The Holy Spirit which works in His children, making the obedient in Spirit and truth. He will also restore the physical nation of Israel. No one else has that right. 

His chosen will make way for him, as John the Baptist did. They will be led by men of God, like Moses. They will be killed. At that time, Christ will come with power and wrath upon all who did not heed their warning. He will raise His chosen, they will rule with Him as joint heirs to the throne, but in subjection to Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. 

What you say is blasphemous. It sounds more like the king of Babylon that is cut down than a real prophet of God.  I’m not saying that is who your “prophet” is, but the similarities should make you think about what you claim. This is not a position one will want to be in when Christ does return in the fullness of His glory. 

From: Paul Cohen
To: Amanda
Cc: Victor Hafichuk 
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 11:29 AM
Subject: Our Ministry in Christ

Hi Amanda, 

You quote one of my questions: 

“When the Scriptures say that in Adam all men die, are you suggesting that means only all kinds of men and not actually every person born (except Jesus) since Adam and Eve fell?”

You go on to say: 

“I wonder at the intent behind that question. Is it rhetorical or meant to make me reconsider my position?” 

I was showing you how flawed the logic presented in your previous letter was. You had written the following about the restitution of all things through Jesus Christ: 

“You pick and choose bible verses to support this claim. Do you not know that ‘all’ men means all kinds of men? Not just Jews, but gentiles of all nations ..ALL men? Did Noah not take ‘all’ animals into the ark? No not every single one, but all kinds. I could say much more, picking apart the whole of your teaching here. But why? Would you listen? Anyone with the Spirit and basic knowledge of the bible should see this.”  
 
So not only have you used fallacious and empty reasoning to disagree with what the Scriptures presented are saying, but on top of that you boast of being able to supply more such nonsense that proves nothing. You’re being ignorant, arrogant, presumptuous and dismissive all at the same time. Not good. 

You say: 

“Should we not mark those who speak things against the truth? You have, and we should. This is a big claim you make, and if the Lord shows me to be a false accuser, I will accept that and ask forgiveness from you and the Lord.”

So you admit to charging us not only with error, but with selfish motives – yet without having heard from the Lord. That’s very self-willed and foolish of you. 

By the way, the matter of being “that prophet” doesn’t change a thing about anything we’ve said or written on our website. Nothing is predicated on being that prophet – everything it about the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has revealed to us. Therefore, if we’re representing Him and His teaching, then you do need to listen. You have no choice – otherwise you’re under His wrath and eventual correction.

“And whoever will not listen to My words that he shall speak in My Name, I Myself will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19 ESV).

I asked you: 

“How exactly am I following Victor in a way that causes me to deviate from Christ? What sin are you convicting me of?” 

You answered:

“Well, if you follow a false prophet, doesn’t that speak for itself?”

This non-answer sums up your communication thus far, which is full of straw man arguments, red herrings, and fallacies. You plainly don’t hear what we’re saying and aren’t interested in listening to or considering anything that goes contrary to you and the knowledge you’ve presumed makes you qualified to judge the Lord and His servants. So you can go with your knowledge and we’ll continue with the One Who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.  

Paul