Jacob's Ladder: A Hidden Prophecy of Jesus and His Followers

[Jeff Wickham]

Jacob's dream about a ladder had two parts - the ladder itself, and God's promise about a seed. Both parts describe one another, and both parts are a prophecy about Jesus. Jesus was the ladder (John 1:50-51). Jesus was also the seed. Paul points out in Galatians 3:16 that this seed of Abraham (and Isaac and Jacob) was only one individual, namely, Christ.

But the plot thickens. In Galatians 3:26-29 Paul reveals a startling insight: if we are united with Christ, then we are part of that one-and-only seed. Although the seed is singular, it is composed of many parts. Since the promised seed and Jacob's ladder both describe one another, this means that Jacob's ladder is also composed of many parts. The ladder represents Jesus, both head and body. This union of Christ and believers is the means by which God pours out His heavenly blessings on the world.

How does union with Christ affect your efforts to bless the world?

 

[Right Divider]

Jesus was the ladder (John 1:50-51).

Joh 1:50-51 KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. (51) And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.​

Please explain how you come to that conclusion from that scripture. It does NOT say what you say that it says.

 

[genuineoriginal]

Joh 1:50-51 KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. (51) And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.​

Please explain how you come to that conclusion from that scripture. It does NOT say what you say that it says.

One verse says that Jacob saw the angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder.

Genesis 28:10-12 10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.​

The other verse says that Nathanael would see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

John 1:50-51 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.​

It seems obvious that Jesus was comparing Himself to the ladder from Jacob's vision.

Where the video goes wrong is in jumping to the conclusion that the "seed" in Jacob's vision is what Jesus was referring to instead of the ladder itself.
The ladder Jacob saw was the connection between earth and God.
Jesus was saying that He is now the connection between earth and God.

 

[Jeff Wickham]

Where the video goes wrong is in jumping to the conclusion that the "seed" in Jacob's vision is what Jesus was referring to instead of the ladder itself.
The ladder Jacob saw was the connection between earth and God.
Jesus was saying that He is now the connection between earth and God.

It is clear that Jesus is both the ultimate fulfillment of the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of a coming "seed" (Gal. 3:16), and He is the reality to which Jacob's ladder pointed (Gen. 28:12; John 1:50-51). Zooming in on the seed, it is clear that it represents not just Jesus, but also those who are members of His body (Gal. 3:26-29).

It seems that the questions in the previous couple of posts really revolve around whether the ladder also represents both Jesus and those who believe in Him. The function of the ladder was to connect heaven and earth, and to facilitate God's blessings coming to the world. I believe the evidence is overwhelming that people participate with Jesus in these functions. Here are some evidences:

1. The Old Testament sanctuary service was a symbol of things to come (Heb. 8:2-5). The priests in the temple assisted the high priest in helping the common people offer their sacrifices (Lev. 1-4, etc). The high priest represented Jesus (Heb. 4:14), and the regular priests represented believers (1 Pet. 2:5-9; Rev. 1:6). Therefore, it was foreshadowed in the Old Testament sanctuary service that in the reality, believers would participate with Christ in helping bring people into connection with God.
2. Christ committed to Peter (and the other disciples) the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). These keys are Jesus in the form of His words (John 6:53, 63). When believers share these words, they open up heaven for other people. When they withhold these words, they shut up access to heaven.
3. Christ gave the disciples authority on earth to forgive sins (John 20:23). Forgiveness of sins happens, not by simply telling people they are forgiven, but by connecting them with the way of life that leads to salvation. People are forgiven by receiving the life of Christ into their own lives - Jesus, in the form of His words (John 1:12, 14).

From these evidences it can be seen that believers do participate with Jesus in connecting people with God and facilitating His blessings coming to those around them. Since they perform the same function as the ladder in Jacob's dream, I believe it is safe to say they are part of it.

 

[Nang]

It is clear that Jesus is both the ultimate fulfillment of the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of a coming "seed" (Gal. 3:16), and He is the reality to which Jacob's ladder pointed (Gen. 28:12; John 1:50-51). Zooming in on the seed, it is clear that it represents not just Jesus, but also those who are members of His body (Gal. 3:26-29).

It seems that the questions in the previous couple of posts really revolve around whether the ladder also represents both Jesus and those who believe in Him. The function of the ladder was to connect heaven and earth, and to facilitate God's blessings coming to the world. I believe the evidence is overwhelming that people participate with Jesus in these functions. Here are some evidences:

1. The Old Testament sanctuary service was a symbol of things to come (Heb. 8:2-5). The priests in the temple assisted the high priest in helping the common people offer their sacrifices (Lev. 1-4, etc). The high priest represented Jesus (Heb. 4:14), and the regular priests represented believers (1 Pet. 2:5-9; Rev. 1:6). Therefore, it was foreshadowed in the Old Testament sanctuary service that in the reality, believers would participate with Christ in helping bring people into connection with God.
2. Christ committed to Peter (and the other disciples) the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). These keys are Jesus in the form of His words (John 6:53, 63). When believers share these words, they open up heaven for other people. When they withhold these words, they shut up access to heaven.
3. Christ gave the disciples authority on earth to forgive sins (John 20:23). Forgiveness of sins happens, not by simply telling people they are forgiven, but by connecting them with the way of life that leads to salvation. People are forgiven by receiving the life of Christ into their own lives - Jesus, in the form of His words (John 1:12, 14).

From these evidences it can be seen that believers do participate with Jesus in connecting people with God and facilitating His blessings coming to those around them. Since they perform the same function as the ladder in Jacob's dream, I believe it is safe to say they are part of it.

The ladder is symbolic of access to heaven and the throne of God, which the Seed and High Priest of God, Jesus Christ provides. All those chosen in Him are also a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:9-10

 

[Right Divider]

The ladder is symbolic of access to heaven and the throne of God, which the Seed and High Priest of God, Jesus Christ provides. All those chosen in Him are also a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:9-10

Peter is quoting scripture about Israel. Exodus 19

 

[Nang]

Peter is quoting scripture about Israel. Exodus 19

Israel was an O.T. nation, and "Israel" is also named as a remnant saved out from that nation.

N.T. Christians (a remnant saved out of all the nations of the world) are also named "Israel of God". Galatians 6:14-16

So . . .

There is only one "Israel."

There is only one Sovereign God.

There is only one Christ.

There is only one Savior.

There is only one everlasting Kingdom of God.

There is only one people to share in the inheritance of this Kingdom.

There is only one Gospel.

 

[Right Divider]

Israel was an O.T. nation, and "Israel" is also named as a remnant saved out from that nation.

N.T. Christians (a remnant saved out of all the nations of the world) are also named "Israel of God". Galatians 6:14-16

So . . .

There is only one "Israel."

There is only one Sovereign God.

There is only one Christ.

There is only one Savior.

There is only one everlasting Kingdom of God.

There is only one people to share in the inheritance of this Kingdom.

There is only one Gospel.

Your confusion is immense.

 

[Nang]

Your confusion is immense.

N/A

What exactly do you think I am confused about?

 

[Right Divider]

N/A

What exactly do you think I am confused about?

Pretty much everything.

 

[DAN P]

Israel was an O.T. nation, and "Israel" is also named as a remnant saved out from that nation.

N.T. Christians (a remnant saved out of all the nations of the world) are also named "Israel of God". Galatians 6:14-16

So . . .

There is only one "Israel."

There is only one Sovereign God.

There is only one Christ.

There is only one Savior.

There is only one everlasting Kingdom of God.

There is only one people to share in the inheritance of this Kingdom.

There is only one Gospel.

Hi Nang and the above , have no verses for PROOF , so lets have them ?

If there is only one GOSPEL , explain how people were saved from Adam to MOSES , Rom 5:14 ?

dan p

 

[Nang]

Hi Nang and the above , have no verses for PROOF , so lets have them ?

If there is only one GOSPEL , explain how people were saved from Adam to MOSES , Rom 5:14 ?

dan p

In the O.T. era, sinners were saved by faith in God's promise of a "Seed"; the Messiah to come.

In the N.T. era, sinners are saved by faith in God's fulfillment of that promise by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world.

 

[Right Divider]

In the O.T. era, sinners were saved by faith in God's promise of a "Seed"; the Messiah to come.

In the N.T. era, sinners are saved by faith in God's fulfillment of that promise by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world.

:mock: O.T. era
:mock: N.T. era

More made up baloney.

 

[Nang]

:mock: O.T. era
:mock: N.T. era

More made up baloney.

O.T. era = BC dating (before Christ)

N.T. era = AD dating (after Christ)

Note: Both eras involve the entire human race, not just the Jewish nation.

Persons were saved before the birth of Christ by believing in God's Covenant promises of a coming Savior. Persons of all races are being saved after the birth of Christ by believing the Savior indeed has come from God as promised.

Why do you call such biblical facts "baloney?"

?????

What is your gripe?

 

[DAN P]

:mock: O.T. era
:mock: N.T. era

More made up baloney.

Hi and since you say that there are TWO ERA'S , EXPLAIN Rom 5:14 , That death reigned FROM Adam to Moses , SO what is the GOSPEL and how were they SAVED ??

dan p

 

[Nang]

Hi and since you say that there are TWO ERA'S , EXPLAIN Rom 5:14 , That death reigned FROM Adam to Moses , SO what is the GOSPEL and how were they SAVED ??

dan p

The times between Adam and Moses is part of the O.T. era; in that it was a time of men were saved by believing promise of Christ given by God in Genesis 3:15.

The "Seed" of woman who would retaliate against and destroy the devil who deceived in the garden.

God promised:

"I will put enmity between you (Satan)and the woman (Eve), and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head [see Habakkuk 3:13b; Hebrews 2:14] and you shall bruise His heel." Genesis 3:15

This was the first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And beginning from Seth, a familial lineage of Godly men called on the name of the Lord (exhibiting saving faith) unto Noah. Genesis 4:26-5:32

 

[Gary K]

Peter is quoting scripture about Israel. Exodus 19

That's not what Peter says in chapter 1..

1Peter 1: [SIZE=+1]1[/SIZE]Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
[SIZE=+1]2[/SIZE] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
[SIZE=+1]3[/SIZE] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
[SIZE=+1]4[/SIZE] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
[SIZE=+1]5[/SIZE] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[SIZE=+1]6[/SIZE] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[SIZE=+1]7[/SIZE] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[SIZE=+1]8[/SIZE] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[SIZE=+1]9[/SIZE] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[SIZE=+1]10[/SIZE] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
[SIZE=+1]11[/SIZE] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

So Peter was saying, according to you, that the Jews were not a people in the past and had not obtained God's mercy, but had now become a people and had obtained mercy. Really? So the Jews were never a people, a nation, a tribe descended from a single family? Where do you find that in Scripture? And where do we find the Bible calling the Jews strangers and pilgrims? A Jew calling fellow Jews strangers and pilgrims? Show me from Scripture were one Jew ever considered another Jew a stranger and a pilgrim. To the Jew a stranger and a pilgrim was always someone from another nation, another family, descended, not from Abraham but from other nations, other families.

The Jews disallowed that the strangers and pilgrims had equal access to God. They didn't allege that of themselves. They were the chosen ones. The inheritors of the promises to Abraham.

 

[Right Divider]

So Peter was saying, according to you, that the Jews were not a people in the past and had not obtained God's mercy, but had now become a people and had obtained mercy. Really? So the Jews were never a people, a nation, a tribe descended from a single family?

Not until God separated them from other people.

Where do you find that in Scripture? And where do we find the Bible calling the Jews strangers and pilgrims? A Jew calling fellow Jews strangers and pilgrims?

The "stranger and pilgrims" are the SAME people that James is writing to.

Jas 1:1 KJV James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.​

​

1Pe 1:1 KJV Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,​

Those are Israelite's scattered into gentile lands starting in Acts 8:1.

Show me from Scripture were one Jew ever considered another Jew a stranger and a pilgrim. To the Jew a stranger and a pilgrim was always someone from another nation, another family, descended, not from Abraham but from other nations, other families.

Israelite's scattered abroad into gentiles lands.

The Jews disallowed that the strangers and pilgrims had equal access to God. They didn't allege that of themselves. They were the chosen ones. The inheritors of the promises to Abraham.

:dizzy:

1Pe 2:11-12 KJV Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (12) Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.​

​

 

[genuineoriginal]

In the O.T. era, sinners were saved by faith in God's promise of a "Seed"; the Messiah to come.

I can't find anywhere in the Bible where it says Old Testament sinners were saved by faith in a promised "seed".

Are you attempting to use historical revisionism on the Bible to get it to say something it doesn't say?