The Hedge about Job

It is intriguing to observe how individuals interpret questions based on their personal emotions, concepts, and beliefs. These factors influence their perspective, opinions, and comprehension of the subject matter being discussed.

Job 1:10

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

What was the Hedge, and how did it prevent Satan’s entry?

The responses exhibit diverse opinions and varying degrees of biblical comprehension, each capable of initiating numerous discussions. My personal understanding of these two questions is predicated on distinct scriptures, which I will share.

Job 1:10 states “Hast not  thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?

This statement, delivered by Satan to God, transcends the realm of a question and constitutes an accusation. Satan asserts that it was inappropriate for God to intervene in the affairs of Job, likening him to every other individual who has experienced adversity. The underlying reason for Satan’s blame lies in his inability to successfully tempt Job, portraying the situation as a rigged game.

Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

The hedge that surrounded Job was the path of righteousness that God had imparted upon him through His instruction, teaching Job what was expected of him.

Hosea and Micah convey the message that a hedge is constructed using sharp briars, a natural growth that serves as a protective barrier for a vineyard.

Hosea 2:6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.

Micah 7:The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Mark elucidates the methods and applications of hedges in the planning and production of vineyard protection.

Mark 12:And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

The “certain man” first planted a vineyard then he planted a hedge about the vineyard.  

We know that  Solomon said..

Song of Songs 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Satan was depicted as a cunning fox, while Job and his family were considered delicate and precious grapes within God’s divine vineyard.  

God’s shield of righteousness protected Job. This righteousness was the Holy Spirit, which physically prevented Satan, Job’s adversaries, and Time and Chance from harming Job in any way due to Job’s righteousness.  

Remember Isaiah 11:2 tells us of the power and righteousness of the Holy Ghost..

Isaiah 11:2 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;

When God withdrew His Holy Spirit from safeguarding Job, the subsequent events are well-known.

Humanism

Humanism poses a significant and pervasive threat to humanity’s collective imagination. It operates with subtlety, apostasy, and treachery, acting as a backstabber, betrayer, double-crosser, double-dealer, quisling, recreant, traitor, turncoat, and a serpent.

Humanism makes itself greater that it’s creator and more powerful than his Holy Spirit.

Humanism puffs itself up, leans upon its own understanding and  betrays it own kind. Humanism shatters faith and endangers hope.

Humanism is self-centered and easy to be persuaded by any peer group.  Humanism loves to take blame and yet Humanism refuses blame, Humanism is double minded and foolish.  

Humanism stands as the most detrimental doctrine that hinders the attainment of perfection by saints. It propagates falsehoods and promotes denial.

Humanism denies the teaching of Jesus, yet embraces Jesus holy words.

Humanism teaches that God made sin.

Humanism posits that the concept of eternal life or immortality is not attainable.

Humanism teaches that man can not become like Jesus..that Jesus did not abolish death and that sin has more power than God himself.

The doctrine of Humanism is not presented as a standalone doctrine but is subtly incorporated into various doctrines. 

This doctrine of Humanism is subtly embedded within the other doctrines of men, presented as traditional teachings. Humanism serves as the underlying foundation of these doctrines, an unspoken truth that permeates their essence.

To comprehend perfection, it is essential to be cognizant of this doctrine and possess the knowledge of how and why Humanism functions as a defense mechanism against Humanism.

Humanism lies within every church.

Humanism originated from a highly serpentine entity, and I am not implying that the entity was human or possessed a carnal mind.  

Humanism did not start with Adam nor even Eve.

The serpent like creature started the Humanism doctrine with these words..”Ye shall be as gods”.

SONS OF GOD IN JOB

A member (maybe more than one) of the Threshing Floor  has written and claimed that Job 1:6 the SONS OF GOD are humans that have been elevated to a special group that have God’s attention.

They seem to believe Job's SONS OF GOD are human because of other references to the natural kingdom of God in early creation such as;

Genesis 6:2 That the SONS OF GOD saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the SONS OF GOD came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

Remarkably this term, the SONS OF GOD for humans is not used again until in a prophecy written 3278 years in the future. Hosea foretells the coming of the Holy Ghost and the chance for humans to change our Old Man into the New Man.

Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.

This would dispel the notion of the SONS OF GOD, but another group of individuals was mentioned in Job. These individuals were able to be in the presence of God.

Currently, there is another member of our Threshing Floor group who adamantly asserts that only angels devoid of any malevolent qualities are permitted to approach God.

A member of the Threshing Floor asserted that Habakkuk 1:13 indicates that God’s eyes are too pure to witness evil, and that God is unable to observe iniquity. Conversely, Matthew 18:10 states that angels “constantly perceive the face of my Father.” Given that angels behold the face of God, it logically follows that they are in God’s presence, and consequently, God is observing them.

This statement forces me to consider that Job is either grossly incorrect or our member is grossly incorrect. Job states as follows: 

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the SONS OF GOD came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

This raises the intriguing question: how could these Sons of God encounter him in the third heaven and maintain their human form?

You have two options: accept the written word in Job as it stands or distort it to make an unsupported claim, such as asserting that “God descended to earth to meet with them.” However, this interpretation deviates from the principle by which our members adhere to God’s character.

An alternative explanation for Job’s group could be to make a stretch and state, “This meeting is akin to our church gatherings, where God met with them spiritually as a collective of leaders for humanity.” However, this assertion requires substantiation. Where and when did these meetings commence? Who were the attendees? What attributes rendered these leaders the SONS OF GOD? The process continues in this manner.

Similarly, one would need to explain the conversation with Satan. If these men were upright and exceptional godly leaders, how could Satan be among them?

Regardless, these individuals (male to be sons or were there women included) were considered the SONS OF GOD, distinct from God’s chosen people. These individuals appear to be heavenly SONS OF GOD and were separate from the natural earthly grouping of the SONS OF GOD.

The distinction between the “Sons of God” in Job and the “Sons of God” in Genesis lies in their spiritual status. The “Sons of God” in Job were divine beings residing in the third heaven, possessing both divine power and a sense of comfort. Conversely, the “Sons of God” in Genesis lacked divine authority and were in need of a comforter. Notably, Solomon, once regarded as the wisest man on earth, aptly encapsulated this concept in the following words:

Ecc 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such aswere oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

Approximately 940 years later, the Apostle John provides an understanding of the spiritual attributes required to become a Son of God, distinguishing between natural and spiritual sonship.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name:

It appears that John held the belief that divine status, akin to becoming a Son of God, was contingent upon the acquisition of specific powers. Jesus provided insight into the source of these powers when He stated:

Acts 1:8 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.

Recognizing the existence of two distinct groups mentioned in the Bible regarding the “SONS OF GOD,” it becomes evident that, like numerous other words and phrases employed throughout the complete Bible, there are varying interpretations of a particular term. In the context of Job, the “SONS OF GOD” referred to angelic beings, encompassing even Satan, the original fallen angel.

PROMISED POSITIONS AS A SIGN OF THE RESTORATION

The doctrine of ministerial positions, integral to the restoration of a church of Christ, has been consistently preached for many years. These gifts are believed to be essential for the saints’ ability to attain perfection.

The Bible does not explicitly promise positions as a sign of the restoration of the latter-day church. Furthermore, it does not state that these positions are given to demonstrate a restored ministry. 

Despite the absence of substantial refutation, this doctrine has garnered widespread acceptance among esteemed ministers, establishing it as the authoritative teaching within the churches of the Body of Christ.

It is taught that the ministry of the Body of Christ is empowered, in Christ’s stead, to judge and pursue all things for the protection of the saints as Christ does in which the ministry is established. This is evident in the phrase “we pray you in Christ’s stead” found in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20. 

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 

It is also taught that saints of God have no biblical right to judge or question a minister within the Body of Christ. Consequently, saints should never challenge the ministry on any grounds, leaving no recourse or accountability for the ministry. However, accusations have the power to cause repercussions among the churches. 

Accusations are the exception to this rule for the ministry. If an accusation is made against a minister, ministers are only accountable to one another in group consensus, provided that each minister agrees to it. A minister may be questioned for unacceptable behavior by the ministry, and the ministry may or may not question the behavior or address the situation. This situation may or may not be judged by the ministry. If judged negatively or positively, it may be accepted or not accepted by the minister being judged. There may be consequences for not accepting the group consensus, which may or may not be viewed as excessive or minor, depending on the minister in question. Major offenses are a no-brainer in which the ministry would rule in majority, including the saints’ consensus, resulting in a rule of disfellowship from the Body of Christ.

It is a widely held belief that a saint should heed the ministry’s counsel and adhere to its instructions. This belief posits that obedience is essential for the salvation of the soul, and that the soul can only be eternally saved through submission to the ministry.

Currently, these beliefs are disseminated and granted authority by the ministry. However, since the ministry comprises ministers, there are underlying issues, agendas, and open discussions regarding biblical discrepancies, which raise questions about its authority.   

Over the decades of ongoing discourse, it became evident that the creation of dependence was necessary to enhance the ministry’s influence over the saints of God. The doctrine of the Five Fold Ministry deviated from biblical principles.

Given the necessity of the Five Fold ministry’s viability, a substantial purpose for its existence was imperative. The pressing need was for the Restored Church. This need generated another premise, wherein the ministry would be entirely liberated from sin, with all its gifts functioning continuously and without any internal biblical discrepancies. The possession of these positions and the absence of biblical divergences would serve as compelling evidence of the ministry’s divine authority, albeit this assertion also deviates from biblical principles.

The Doctrine of the Five Fold Ministry became an established doctrine, not subject to questioning. This doctrine posits that a ministry, equipped with all its inherent gifts, must be established and entrusted to individuals or qualified ministers before a restored and perfected church can be created or attain the former position of the early church, which, it is important to note, is not supported by biblical evidence.

A biblical concept revolves around the emergence of a church that ventures into the wilderness. This church emerges from the wilderness to become a discernible presence, no longer concealed by the earth. Simultaneously, Satan engages in conflict with the remnants of the early church, who exhibit exceptional conduct and are poised to attain perfection.

Revelation 12:17

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Observe the lingering commandment to “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”  

Revelation 1:1-2

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Revelation 1:9

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:4-7

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

During the early reign church, the Bible was not available. Consequently, the teachings of the Apostles, prophets, and teachers were not as readily accessible as they are in our current dispensation. This fundamental difference between the early reign and the latter reign church significantly distinguishes our dispensation from the early reign church.

The early church did not share its positions with the later church, primarily due to the significant temporal difference of 4,000 years. The early church established the positions and their purpose. It serves as an example and resource for the later church, providing the foundation upon which the latter church can build. The ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers was established and is now shared with the later church, along with all the gifts of God. The distinction between the early and later churches lies in the necessity of these positions.

Additionally, other distinctions arise from contemporary historical, geographical, societal, and technological advancements. The body of Christ has a well-established history of apostles, evangelists, prophets, pastors, and teachers from whom we can draw upon their teachings and gifts to provide the faith and knowledge necessary for saints to attain perfection. While the geological conditions of the time have changed, we have the geological records of the Old and New Testaments to draw analogies and gain wisdom. Of course, society has undergone numerous transformations, but the Bible enables us to recognize the comparisons required to establish truth. Technological advancements have occurred, but we can draw upon the early church society to recognize that while everything is subject to change, certain principles remain constant.

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

This statement was made about the early reign church, not the latter reign church. However, it was intended for the church as a whole, the combined church of both eras, the Body of Christ. The Body was created and endowed with all the attributes necessary for the establishment of Jesus’ Church.  These positions were bestowed upon the nations and their peoples as a sign to recognize the one true body of Christ. These positions and miracles were disseminated from person to person until all the world had access to the work and word of God.  

These positions were given as needed to all the saints (And he gave some) the SOME mentioned are the saints..to esablish a  ministry.  The saints were given the positions that made whomever an apostle or teacher etc. The saints had a need for the positions to establish their perfection..not the ministers.  

The outcome of the 11 disciples had not been predetermined nor achieved prior to Jesus’ completion of his salvific work in Israel. The Holy Spirit (the Comforter) had not yet descended, and no positions of apostleship had been conferred. The entire chapter of Matthew 17 elucidates this fact.

John 17:11 (KJV) 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Initially, they were devoid of positions and lacked unity. However, after the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them, they underwent a transformative change. Their faithfulness had been demonstrated, leading to their selection as more enlightened and chosen disciples. Nevertheless, they were deeply shaken by the sight of Jesus’ crucifixion.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (KJV) 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

The provided scripture delineates the roles, authority, and divine mandate bestowed upon the disciples for the benevolent purposes of God’s kingdom, specifically the establishment of His church and the sanctification of His saints.

Following his resurrection, Jesus ascended to his divine throne and dispatched the Holy Spirit as a source of comfort and power. This divine power possessed the ability to influence spiritual matters when necessary for God’s purposes, which were ultimately the salvation of humanity.

The pivotal aspect of the sending was the imperative of the kingdom of God. The ministry’s essence does not necessitate gifts, titles, or positions of authority.  

The ministry has always been entrusted to the people’s need for leadership in Christ. 

Historically and currently, when there was a need for a pastor, the need was typically fulfilled by God. 

The necessity for the position of pastor was also met by the same need for a teacher. As biblically evidenced, the positions that God has established for His church can be amalgamated and utilized by ordained men of God. The positions have consistently been regulated to fulfill God’s purposes.

The need has also been regulated to facilitate spiritual transformation of the people, rather than to enhance their material or natural well-being.

Similarly, no one has ever been a firstfriut, except for Jesus. Consequently, it is incorrect to conclude that the Ministry is a firstfriut before anyone else can attain perfection, enter into the Bride of Christ, or be in the Bride of Christ.

This premise, the ministry as part of the firstfriuts, supports the existence of a ruling class of ministers as part of the Godhead, rooted in the inherent desire for power through authority. The premise posits the necessity of recognition through confirmation, which would be demonstrated by a united ministerial convergence of churches, thereby affirming the acceptance of the sole and authentic Body of Christ.

The doctrine of ministerial positions, integral to the restoration of a church of Christ, has been consistently preached for many years. These positions are believed to be essential for the saints’ ability to attain perfection.

but the truth of the matter is the Ministry was never intended to serve as a benchmark for perfection; rather, it was created to provide assistance in achieving the full potential of saints of Christ Jesus church.