I pray that this letter finds you encouraged, joyful and healthy in the knowledge that you are gaining. Your response to my last letter was, as usual, refreshing and spirited. We are rapidly approaching a crossroad in our studies though, my friend, and as we draw near to that point, I want to respond to your inquiries about forgiveness and reconciliation, and remind you to continue comparing my thoughts with Elohim's Word, searching for His truth. Elohim will be glorified, and you will not be disappointed.

While numerous issues litter the landscape of Elohim's originally inspired Truth, and must be addressed by anyone seeking to learn about Him, the matter of His forgiveness, and our reconciliation to Him, is perhaps one of the most littered pathways of all. Additionally, the formation and perception of the Ekklesia is about to change around the world, and I do not want you to be caught unaware of these matters.

As we approach the last days, Zeteo, an understanding for the topic of reconciliation [tc] becomes increasingly important. This is so, because the harvest will come through the faithful application and teaching of the Gospel of reconciliation. As the disciples of Yahshuah separate themselves from this world and the undisciplined teachings of the religious institutions, and as people consciously determine to follow Elohim, it will be necessary for us to reconcile every aspect of our life with Him. Unless we understand the truth and fullness of reconciliation, however, we will continue to spread the same watered-down message that is being heard today, and souls will remain lost.

Within the Word of Elohim, we can easily identify areas of contention with the world. These areas require investigation and resolution, because left unattended; they cause disruption within the body. Matters regarding female Disciples of Yahshuah, as relates to their duties within the Ekklesia, and women in general, as relates to their equality with men, are perfect examples of contentious areas. Likewise, issues regarding male Disciples and their role as spiritual leaders (within the Ekklesia, as well as within the community), or men in general, as relates to their role within the family, must also be understood in light of Elohim's Word. We must also dig into issues that dominate our lives, and expose the false notions tearing at humanity under the guise of "liberalism," "equal rights" and "feminism", because the damage they are inflicting upon society is overwhelming.

SPECIAL NOTE:
For a quick explanation of the NAMES used throughout The Letters, please click here... For an in depth accounting of these matters though, please go to Letter #22.

Letter #7 continues here:

Submission and authority, as required or granted within Elohim's Word, have been distorted throughout history. Men and women have abused each other, and have been abused by each other, in their attempt to suppress and humiliate one another, and both have used the Word of Elohim violently, maliciously and unscripturally, in their effort to usurp Elohim's intent. These deceptions cannot exist within the EKKLESIA any longer though, because there must be equality and assurance for ALL of Elohim's children, regardless of sex or race, or whatever other barrier mankind wants to build.

Because the topic of reconciliation is so immense, Zeteo, our study is divided into four letters: Sin, the Cause of our need, The Consequence of the curse, The Cure and Our Choice (Election). These are difficult matters to teach in a society determined to destroy itself, yet they must be taught in detail, so we can grasp the fullness of what Elohim is offering us.

So much has been said about men, women, sexual relations, relationships, morality, adultery, divorce, murder and abortion, that it appears impossible to draft an original thought today. I believe the Word of Elohim has much to say to humanity in these last days though, and it is no less relevant, encouraging, challenging and original today, as it was when written.

Should you decide to progress in these studies beyond these notes on reconciliation, we will get to a point where the spiritual positions of elder, overseer and pastor are discussed. I will pointedly state that these positions are reserved for men only, and I will support my position with Elohim's Word. Babylon will object! If we ever hope to be faithful disciples of Yahshuah though, we must understand the reason why these restrictions were laid upon us, because once we comprehend the curse, we can acknowledge its affect. Then, in acknowledging the affect, we can see, and hopefully accept, the cure that Elohim has offered. Whether we accept these matters though, is clearly our own choice - as you will see.

If we can agree, momentarily at least, that the teachings that limit certain gifts and positions by gender are correct, then we can also agree that the rest of the gifts are given freely to men and women without restrictions. Aside from the fact that women are not to mentor men spiritually, there are no further limitations to the gifts of teaching, evangelism, prophecy, giving, mercy, tongues, interpretations, or almost any other gift. In our momentary agreement on these matters, let us walk through a variety of topics, which in combination may bring about a permanent agreement; a reconciliation over the issue of gender.

The first topic we must consider in gaining any ground toward reconciliation, is predetermination [tc] - predestiny. While you probably think this is a strange place to start, it occurs to me that we must acknowledge the sovereignty of Elohim in all matters, before anything else, because only in bowing to His throne will we ever achieve any reconciliation in our lives. While many of us may be angry about our weight, height, race, sex, station in life, color of eyes, color of hair, or any other such matter, we must achieve a greater understanding for the broad picture of life, of which we are a part, and accept that Elohim knows what He is doing. Elohim is in charge. Understanding and accepting predetermination is our first step toward acknowledging that fact because, we are exactly Who Elohim wants us to be, and precisely What He wants us to be.

Scripture says, "The steps of a man are established by YAHUAH; and He delights in his way" (Psalms 37:23). We also find Job saying, "He performs what is appointed for me" (Job 23:14). Throughout the Bible we are told that men and women are appointed; they are predetermined. As we examine this subject though, Zeteo, please allow the Word of Elohim to testify to this truth, because just as we are Who and What Elohim wants us to be, we are also exactly Where and When Elohim wants us.

Just as there were Old Testament female prophets (Exodus 15:20-21; Judges 4:4-5; 2 Kings 22:12-20), there are also going to be New Testament female prophets (Acts 21:8-9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). In Jeremiah 1:5, Elohim told the Prophet, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." This verse applies to every prophet and child of Elohim, male and female, because He has appointed each in his or her time. Every child has been known, consecrated and appointed by Elohim, and each one has a purpose. So then, not only are we Who, What, Where and When Elohim wants us to be, we are precisely Why Elohim wants us to be.

Elohim is All Seeing [Omnipresent] (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalms 33:13-14, 139; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Matthew 18:20). He is All Knowing [Omniscient] (2 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 44:20-21, 94:8-11, 147:5; Isaiah 40:14; Revelation 2:2). And He is All Powerful [Omnipotent] (Genesis 1(all), 17:1; Psalms 29:4-9, 115:3; Romans 4:17-24). Additionally, Elohim always was, always will be, and He will always remain the same, and His essence, as we have already discussed, is unchangeable. And, time does not matter to Him. He has told us, "One day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as one day" (2 Peter 3:8).

I do not know where I heard the following explanation, so I cannot give credit where due, but the following describes time, as Elohim may see it, better than anything else I have ever heard:

Imagine time on a flat plane, with the full expanse of future history stretching forth from Elohim's throne in a straight line. (The past stretches back). Then, imagine each second of time stretching out as far as necessary, away from those lines. Then, and this is important, imagine that Elohim has the capacity to look at time forward and backward, whenever He wants. He can walk the lines of time whenever He wishes. Elohim can investigate any second of any life, past, present or future, any time He chooses. And, in His power and authority, Elohim can make whatever alterations are necessary, to any life or situation, in order to bring about His desired results.

In such an arrangement, we can imagine how Elohim can do everything needed within each second of each minute of each hour of each day, and how He is able to plan for every event. While we are restricted, second by second, and limited to sixty-second minutes, Elohim is not. As the creator, all life emanates from Him, and with the ability to see and use time without restriction, we can visualize how He can prearrange the birth and death of every soul. We can also see how He planned for each of His children, before time even began. In His sovereignty, Elohim determined who, what, where, when and why each of us would be, and to rebuke any portion of His plan for us, is to rebuke Him.

As beings created in Elohim's image, Adam and Eve were given a free will. As their descendants, we have been given that same free will. When Elohim walked the lines of time, He saw the deeds (right or wrong), which we were freely and knowingly going to commit. In His knowledge of us, Elohim planned around, and in spite of, those deeds. He knew everything we would and would not do, and He also knew who would and who would not receive His Son as their personal Master and Messiah. Even before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden - in that knowledge - He prepared. He determined the width and breadth of our walk, knowing everything that would happen to us, and He knew what our responses to those events would be. These things He did even before the clock began to run.

With His insight, Elohim predetermined which souls were to serve as men, and which were to serve as women. He prearranged parental lineage, matching men with women, and children to parents. He allowed for wars, famines and plagues, as well as times of tribulation and peace. Because of sin, which He saw, Elohim allowed for all of these things. He also allowed for His Son to die on a cross to redeem us. Elohim is sovereign, and He can do these things.

Perhaps through this understanding of time, we can comprehend how the Psalmist was led to say, "How precious also are Thy thoughts to me; O Elohim! How vast is the sum of them! If I should number them, they would outnumber the sand" (Psalms 139:17-18).

When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, he said, "Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for Elohim sent me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5). In Genesis 50:20 Joseph said, "You meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good." Joseph understood the workings of Elohim, and ultimately understood predetermination. Joseph's comprehension of this matter is especially significant, when you consider the events that led to the conversation with his brothers. Read about Joseph, Zeteo, his life is truly inspirational.

Naomi went to Moab with her husband and two sons, and when her husband and sons died, Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law. When the wife of her youngest son returned to her people, only Ruth remained, and together Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem. Like Joseph, Naomi was broken (Ruth 1:20-21). When Ruth married Boaz though, and they had a son, Naomi was hailed for the faithfulness of Ruth (Ruth 4:14-15), and she was blessed by a plan pre-ordained by Elohim to fulfill a lineage leading to the birth of Yahshuah (Ruth 4:16-17). The son born to Boaz and Ruth was Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of David. Naomi came to understand predetermination.

In Acts 9:15, Ananias was told by the Master that Paul, "Is a chosen instrument of Mine", and through a trail of passages we learn that Elohim chooses. Elohim selects (Romans 9:11, 17-18, 11:5-7, 28; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 3:1-3, 5:9-11). Paul, the other Apostles, all of the Prophets, and every writer of the Books in the Bible, understood predetermination. And we must grasp it as well, because once accepted, we can find tremendous peace with our station in life. The concordance is comprehensive on this matter, Zeteo, because it must be abundantly clear that Elohim is in charge; Elohim has a plan (Acts 2:22-24).

From the beginning, Elohim planned for the division of sexes into the male [tc] and female [tc] roles. The division was necessary for procreation, but the division has spiritual purposes as well, which exceed procreation. I realize how simple this statement may appear, my friend, but it is vital for many to acknowledge some of the simple facts.

In the first chapter of Genesis, Elohim said, "`Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' And Elohim created man in His own image, in the image of Elohim He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:26-27). Both male and female were created equally in the image of Elohim. Both man and woman were given dominion over the creation. There was no division. Genesis 1 shows an equal distribution of all things to the man and woman. Domination, suppression or submission did not exist; there was only unity and love. This was Elohim's original design. But Elohim knew His design would be interfered with, and He planned for that too.

Genesis 1 and 2 show that man was created first, and in Genesis 2:18 Elohim said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." Though it is important to acknowledge that man was created first, it is equally important that the intent behind the creation of woman was for her to be a suitable helper and mate. Woman was meant to be man's partner, and the account of Eve's creation shows a genuine caring by Elohim for His creation, as well as a genuine excitement between Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:18-25). This too was Elohim's intent.

In Genesis 3, however, we are given the account of "the fall [tc]" of man. A number of things happened that day in the Garden, and a number of things were said that evening, which set the stage for the rest of history. Personally, I believe that the confusion and animosity between the sexes exists because we have not really looked at what Elohim said to Adam and Eve after they sinned. This is so, because the curse which sin brought upon us is here, and the consequences of the curse, are immensely significant. If we can grasp these matters, my friend, we can attempt to grasp the cure that Elohim has also provided, because in our understanding and comprehension of these things, tremendous freedom and liberty can be found for us all.

The first thing to happen after Eve ate the forbidden fruit was that Adam ate (Genesis 3:6). As you can imagine, debate has raged for centuries over Adam's partaking of the apple. What do you think, Zeteo, "Would Adam have eaten the fruit eventually, even if Eve were not present?" Although we cannot answer that question, the fact remains that they both ate; they both sinned. Here, however, it is significant to note that Eve did eat first.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 3:14-21 Elohim says some pretty interesting things to Satan, Eve and Adam, and in understanding these things; we can comprehend the current state of mankind. Briefly, this is what they were told:
First, Satan [tc] was cursed "more than all cattle". Because of his actions, the serpent was reduced to a belly crawling, dust eater, "all the days of your life" (v.14). Spiritually, Satan was cursed to spend his life in the presence and darkness of sin. While he may prowl about and have the capacity to present himself as an angel of light, he has, nevertheless, been placed under this curse. Additionally, Elohim offered the first prophecy of the Messiah, Who would save mankind from their now fallen state, in the witness of Adam, Eve and Satan (v.15).
Then Elohim turned His attention to Eve, and did two things. Elohim said that Eve, and all her daughters to follow, would suffer pain in child bearing. This clearly brought suffering to a process originally meant to be painless (v.16). Then Elohim cursed Eve and her daughters, and Adam and his sons, and it is this curse that we must understand. Elohim said, "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you" (v.16). (I will return to this momentarily).
Elohim then turned to Adam and made it clear that because it was he who had received the command about not eating from the tree (v.17) (Eve obviously learned of the command through Adam) Elohim was especially upset with Adam, because he listened to his wife, instead of listening to Elohim. Because of Adam's direct disobedience, therefore, the ground, plants and animals were all cursed. Additionally, the relationship between men and women, and between man and the animals, plants and the ground, were also cursed.

In other words, the entire creation, which Elohim had earlier proclaimed as "good", was now cursed, because Adam disobeyed the command of Elohim. (v.17-19). Where Adam once tended the Garden; he was now being forced to toil painfully in order to eat. In addition to all this, death entered the picture for the first time, "for you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (v.19). Purity and eternal life were lost.

What many neglect to acknowledge about the curse placed upon Eve and her daughters in verse 16, however, is that it also affected Adam and his sons. It had to affect the man! So let's return there to find the fullness of this matter, because if we so choose, we can also find tremendous solace and understanding in the words uttered by Elohim.

Elohim said, "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." While we may want to read this as a biological/sexual issue, the curse levied against Eve introduced the burden of domination and submission to the man/woman equation, and this is a truly significant event.

Elohim said, "she will desire...but he will rule". Spiritually, Elohim said that from that moment on, the curse of submission was laid upon all women, and the curse of authority and responsibility was laid upon all men. You see, Zeteo, Eve and her daughters were not meant to act as submissives, just as Adam and his sons were not meant to be in charge. Elohim was in charge - until we placed Satan between Elohim and us. Once we displaced Elohim, however, it was necessary for Him to initiate new rules, until His plan for our redemption and reconciliation could come full term.

Application of this teaching comes in recognizing the curse for what it truly is. Once we acknowledge that domination and submission are something unnatural, uncomfortable and undesirable, they become almost tolerable. This is so, because in our newfound knowledge we can submit to Elohim's will for us, and through faithful submission to Him, we can surrender the burden of the curse back to Elohim.

When we sinned, we displaced Elohim as our King, and submitted ourselves to the dominion of a new ruler. We did this of our own free will. When we accept Yahshuah as our Master and Messiah, we once again make a free will choice regarding the dominion in which we reside, and select to return to Elohim. The return to Elohim's dominion is primarily spiritual, because as long as we remain in these bodies, even though we may individually select to submit to Elohim, the remainder of creation is still under Satan's control - for awhile. Yet, because we are spiritual beings, our inner person CAN have peace with Elohim now, and CAN learn to tolerate the injustices that our original sin has wrought.

For this creation though, a curse has been levied which must be acknowledged and adhered to, because rebellion against the will of Elohim only worsens our already pathetic state:
For women, Elohim's will placed them in a role of submission. Violation of His plan is seen whenever women want to rule - spiritually, physically or mentally - over man in general, and over their mates specifically.
For men, Elohim's will placed them in a position of authority. Violation of His plan is seen whenever men dominate unrighteously over anyone else, especially their mate, or when men capitulate; when they surrender their authority entirely.

Elohim never intended for men or women to dominate or be in subjection to each other. But, by our own free will, we elected to "know good and evil" (Genesis 3:5), and the world is stuck in the morass of this curse today. The result of all this is that undisciplined women want to reject the authority of all men, not just their husbands, while undisciplined men either want to dominate and oppress women, or chose to surrender their authority entirely. Is this not true in the world today?

Women aspire to the office of pastor, overseer and elder within the world of religion, because they do not comprehend the curse, the temporary nature of their situation, or the cure. In their desire to be the spiritual leader in the home and 'church', women continue to listen to Satan - just like Eve in the Garden, but Elohim desires greater things for us all. While the religious institutions masquerade as the 'church', and march rapidly down the path to destruction, women are not only joining the march, they are leading it - just like Eve in the Garden. And, just like Adam, many men are following. This is harsh, but this is also very true!

In recognizing the harshness of these words, Zeteo, I also recognize that reconciliation often requires confrontation. And this confrontation is not with women only, because men are dismally failing in their role as the spiritual and marital leaders. Men have abused their positions for so long, that women are openly rebellious, and in the resulting confusion, husbands and fathers appear powerless - stripped of all authority. Men are "listening" once again to woman instead of Elohim, and society is in a tailspin, about to crash and burn. The consequence of our sin is violent, and it's lure remains very strong.

Elohim never wanted men or women to be subjected to anyone but Him. In our knowledge of good and evil, however, we placed ourselves in subjection to Satan's kingdom. Once we subjected ourselves to Satan's rule, it became necessary for Elohim to draw lines of authority - for our own good. And, for our eternal good, Elohim's plan also included for our redemption. Unfortunately, because of our faithlessness, the extent of that redemption eludes us today, even in many Christian circles. Although Elohim knew about the fall beforehand, and He planned for it, His desire was for His children to serve only Him. Satan interfered with those plans, and we fell. We must now abide by the spiritual laws that govern our day and age, and accept the laws of Elohim without complaint. In accepting Elohim's plan for reconciliation though, we can freely place ourselves under the subjection of Elohim once again, and remove the yoke of sin that ensnares us.

Liberal theologians, and feminists, want mankind to believe that Elohim is a bigot; down on women, but nothing is further from the truth. Satan has been defiling women since the Garden, not Elohim, and a pass through the Gospels will show the esteem that Elohim really has for His daughters. The teachings of Paul are not bigoted either; they merely clarify Elohim's instructions.

The curse that our sin has brought, drives undisciplined women to rebuke male authority and seek "liberation", while the same curse drives undisciplined men to either abuse or capitulate their authority entirely. Additionally, as the activities of Satan increase in these last days, the hostility that exists between men and women will rise sharply. That is Prophetic! At the same time, however, tremendous harmony will become manifest between Elohim's sons and daughters. Elohim's children are about to gather an abundant harvest through their faithful submission to each other and to Elohim, and an understanding for reconciliation will be fundamental to that harvest.

It is not difficult to see our dilemma stemming directly from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In our knowledge though, we find ourselves in subjection to things that Elohim would rather have not subjected us. Nevertheless, we are in subjection. The cause of all this is our sin. The curse, which resulted from that sin, brings about the consequences which we will discuss in our next letter. It is vital for anyone seeking to know Elohim though, to acknowledge Elohim's sovereign hand in all things. We are men and women because Elohim wants us to be. The curse came later.

Grace and peace to you, dear friend. Consider sin. Consider the state of the world. Consider Yahshuah Mashiach - The Cure. Thank Elohim for the Cure...

I remain faithfully yours in Yahshuah our Messiah,

larry vosen

Topical concordance:

Forgiveness/Forgiving, (See Reconciliation also):
Old Testament: Genesis 45:1ff, 50:17-21; Psalms 25:6-7, 32:1-7, 79:8-13, 103 & 130(all); Isaiah 44:21-23, 65:17; Jeremiah (all), 31:34; Jonah (all); Zechariah 3(all).

New Testament: Matthew 6:14-15,23-24, 16:19, 18:15-35; Mark 4:24-25, 11:25-26; Luke 7:47, 17:3-10; John 5:14; Acts 7:59-60, 26:18; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:19-22, 2:13-15; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; Hebrews 8:12, 9:22, 10:17.

Husbands/men:
Old Testament: Genesis 3:1-7,17-19.

New Testament: Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19-21; Titus 2:2-8; 1 Peter 3:7

Predetermination:
(A study of every O/T Book will show the predetermined plan of Elohim unfold. Look at the people used by Elohim, for both good and evil, and you will see His appointments. His plan has not changed.
Old Testament: Genesis 45:7-8, 50:18-21; Ezra 1:1; Job 23:14; Psalms 37:23; Jeremiah 1:5.

New Testament: Matthew 6:39, 8:34,41-44, 15:16; Acts 2:22-24, 3:18, 4:24-28, 9:15, 10:40-41, 12:40-41, 13:48, 17:26, 22:14, 26:5; Romans 8:28-30, 9:11,17-18,22-24, 11:2; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 1:3-12, 2:1,8-10, 4(all); Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 3:1-3, 5:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 1:1-2,20, 2:8; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude1:4; Revelation 9:13-15, 17:8.

Reconciliation, (See Forgiveness also):
New Testament: Romans 5(all); 2Corinthians 5:10-21; Ephesians 2:18-16.

Satan:
Old Testament: Genesis 3:1-7; Job 1:6-7, 2:1-2; Psalms 55:20-21; Isaiah 14:12-17, 41:21-24, 46:11, 54:16; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Daniel 7-12(all); Nahum 1:15; Zechariah 11:16-17.

New Testament: Matthew 4:1-11, 13:24-30, 21:33-41; Luke 4:1-13, 10:18, 11:17-26; John 6:70, 8:44, 12:31; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4,6-12; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 3:8, 5:19-20; Revelation 12,13,17,18 & 20(all).

Sin:
Old Testament: Genesis 3:1-7,22-24, 4:7; Job 40:1-14; Psalms 14, 32:1-7, 36:1-4, 38, 53,82, 143; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah (all); Jeremiah (all), 2:29; Ezekiel 18:20; Daniel 9:3-19.

New Testament: Matthew 12:24-32, 13:24-30; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 7:40-50, 12:8-10, 8:9-14; John 5:14, 8:34-36, 9:1-3; Acts 19:18, 26:18; Romans 3:23, 5:1-5, 6(all), 8:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:2; Galatians 3:17-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; Philippians 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 3:13, 10:26-27; James 1:13-16, 3:2,6,16, 4:17, 5:19-20; 1 Peter 2:8, 4:1-2; 1 John 1:8-10, 2:2-12, 3:4-11,21-23.

Wives/women:
Old Testament: Genesis 3:1-7,16; Proverbs 31:10-31

New Testament: Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32; John 17:2; Acts 9:36-42, 13:50; 1 Corinthians 11:4,5, 10,14:34-37; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:4-6, 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-15, 3:11, 5:3-16; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6.