Monday, April 4, 2022

Establishing the Courts of Heaven

 


Creation reveals who our Creator is (Romans 1:20). Scientists have discovered that matter is organized and beautifully choreographed far past the atomic level. When we pass from this life to the next we won’t be set free to wander about, flying through the clouds doing whatever we please. This would be very disorganized and result in chaos. It is not God’s way. He is orderly. In the second verse of the bible, we begin learning about our Creator’s opinion considering organization.

And the Earth was without form and void… (Genesis 1:2 AKJV)

The Hebrew word translated “without form” is tohuw, which means formless, a place of chaos and confusion. The word “void” in Hebrew is bohuw and means an indistinguishable ruin. Jewish mothers often refer to a messy teenager’s room as a “Tohuw ‘eth bohuw,” meaning a disorderly, chaotic ruin. This state of the Earth referred to in Genesis was not acceptable to God who began establishing order from the chaos.

The original Greek and Hebrew meaning of the words in the Bible makes it clear that God’s kingdom is organized. God created man in His image and Earth in the image of Heaven. The courts on Earth are comprised of many of the same components as the Courts of Heaven including:

  • A Court
  • A Judge
  • Lawyers
  • A Prosecutor

There are multiple Bible verses that support the existence and function of a court system in Heaven. Let’s look at some of them now.

The Courts of Heaven

To cite each and every scripture that supports the existence of the Courts of Heaven (CoH) would be overwhelming. However, I can provide a few scriptures that establish this fact in the Bible. 

Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts… (Psalm 65:4 KJV)

The Hebrew word for courts is chaster, which can mean “enclosure, abode, or a court.” Jesus is our King. A king’s court is where judgments come from.

God stands up to open Heaven’s court… (Psalm 82:1 TLB)

The King James Version of Psalm 82:1 reads: 

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods.

The Hebrew word shaphat translates as “judgeth,” meaning to rule, govern, or judge. The Living Bible translates the Hebrew word ‘edah as “heaven’s court” because it depicts, in a physical sense, an assembly of individuals where shaphat happens – a place where rules or legislation come from. This word is used and translated as “judge” more than 170 times in the Bible.

Don’t let the word “gods” throw you off. The Hebrew word ‘elohiym can be translated as “rulers, angels, or divine ones.” We, as children of God, would fall into this category as well. Perhaps, after we die, we will be part of that assembly in the courts. The workings of Heaven’s government are portrayed very clearly throughout the Word of God.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in My ways and keep My charge, then also you shall rule My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you access [to My presence] and places to walk among these who stand here. (Zechariah 3:7 AMPC) 

“Have charge of my courts” is the meaning of the Hebrew word diyn, or “to plead a case.” “Standing here” is the meaning of ‘amad, or “to present one before a king.” Combine the two words and this verse says that the reward for faithful service to the Lord yields free access to God and the ability to be present in the King’s court. This is where one would present a case for judgment.

…ten thousand times ten thousand rose up and stood before Him; the Judge was seated [the court was in session] and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10 AMPC)

“The court was seated,” or diyn has the same meaning in Aramaic. The root of this word is “legal dispute” with causes, pleas, and judgments. That sounds like a court to me!

But the judgment shall be set [by the court of the Most High], and they shall take away his dominion to consume it [gradually] and to destroy it [suddenly] in the end. (Daniel 7:26 AMPC)

The two verses in Daniel are a prophecy given about the coming age. Verse 26 is referring to the works of Satan. The Aramaic word shĕlet translated as “dominion,” also means power to rule over authority, hence judgments set by the CoH will take away the authority of Satan and his minions, first gradually, then suddenly. Understanding how the CoH operates is necessary to keep Satan from having authority over us.

Most books on the CoH will quote the statements made by Jesus, which shows how He operated in the Courts to aid His disciples.

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. (Luke 22:31-32 ESV)

The word for “demanded” in Greek is exaiteomai. It means to demand a trial. Satan was in the CoH placing charges against the disciple. The Greek word deomai means to pray or petition. Petition often means to make a formal request before a court. Jesus made an appearance requesting strength in faith be given to those who followed Him.

This shows that Jesus operated in the courts. “As He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) Applying this verse, we should be aware of the CoH and be ready to operate there at our Lord’s request. The Book of Revelation shows us when Satan is removed from the CoH:

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brothers is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time. (Revelation 12:10-12 AKJV)

The Greek word exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah) is translated power, but more precisely means the power of rule or government or jurisdiction of “His Christ” who is Jesus. Our Lord finally gets the legal right to evict Satan from Heaven once and for all! We know this because there are several legal terms used in these scriptures:

  • Accuser - katēgoros (kat-ay’-gor-os): a complainant at law
  • Overcame - nikaō (ni-kah’-o): when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause
  • Testimony - martyria: what one testifies, testimony, i.e. before a judge

This is why the revelation about the CoH has come at this time. The body of Christ must realize how important it is to give testimony in the CoH so that their words can overcome Satan and he can be thrown out of Heaven. This must happen before the Lord returns. Many assume Satan has already been removed from Heaven because of what was said after the 72 returned with joy after casting out demons:

And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.” (Luke 10:18 ESV)

To fully understand this, we need to look at other meanings of the Greek words involve:

  • Satan: literally means adversary, one who opposes a work being done, not just Lucifer.
  • Fall: to descend from a higher place to a lower place
  • Lightning: The light of a lamp, used in Revelation 4:5, 8:5, 11:18 to describe power coming from God’s Throne. 

When we look at the full definition of these words we see that this verse is about Satan’s power being overcome through the power released in Heaven. Jesus was explaining to His disciples why demons were subject to His name: they were overcome from God’s throne where the CoH are located. However, the fact remains that all this occurred before Jesus was crucified. I asked God for proof of our ability and need to operate in the Courts from the New Testament after Jesus went to the cross.

One day, I heard a Christian minister quote a verse in Ephesians 3:10. In my mind, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly in a strong, nearly audible voice, “That is not what it means. That verse is about the CoH.”

God urged me to look up the verse in the original language. Blue Letter Bible, an online app, combines “The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible” with six other references. Researching in Greek isn’t an easy task for anyone unfamiliar with the language. The Holy Spirit instilled the basic meaning in my thoughts, but now I had the task of proving that He had done so. There are 13 Greek words, each with a half-dozen definitions...I spent the entire day researching one small paragraph. 

Here are the verses in the King James Version numbered where the Greek words occur:

(I.) To the intent  (II.) that now  (III.) unto the principalities  (IV.) and  (V.) powers  (VI.) in  (VII.) heavenly places  (VIII.) might be known  (IX.) by  (X) the church (XI.) the manifold  (XII.) wisdom of  (XIII.) God (Ephesians 3:10) 

The usual interpretation is that the magnificent grace of God is now being seen among those in Heaven. It is displayed when He allowed Gentiles (non-Jewish) into a relationship with Him. The way the Greek has been translated into modern English in the current versions of the Bible would seem to make this statement accurate. Everything inside of me, however, screamed that it was wrong. Those in Heaven already know how wonderful God is, why would the church need to flaunt His goodness? It also didn’t flow with the passages preceding and following this verse. Keeping the same words in the same place, here is what the Holy Spirit brought me:

(I.) In order that (II.) at this present time (III.) dominion (IV.) and (V.) the power of judicial decisions (VI.) among (VII.) things taking place in Heaven (VIII.) will be known (IX.) through (X.) the church: (XI.) The manifold (XII.) wisdom of (XIII.) God evinced in the forming and executing of His counsels.

Translated this way, it fits seamlessly into the verses before and after this one:

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9 AKJV) 

In order that at this present time dominion and the power of judicial decisions among things taking place in Heaven will be known through the church: The manifold wisdom of God evinced in the forming and executing of His counsels.

According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. (Ephesians 3:11-12 AMPC)

This states that the eternal purpose of what Jesus did was to give us access to the throne of God where judgments are rendered. The body of Christ has failed to take full advantage of the access our Lord has secured for us. Without using what Christ paid for, only one argument is heard in the CoH: Satan’s accusations. 

In addition, judgments from God's Throne are seen in an additional verse in the New Testament:

…then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment… (2 Peter 2:9 ESV)

There are decisions that will continue to come from the Throne, after receiving a judgment against us, until the day of judgment. We need to know the individual components of the Courts and the procedures used there if we are going to be of use to our God according to the organization of Heaven. 

Members of the Courts of Heaven


The Judge

Before you can have a court, there must be a judge:

…Shall not the Judge of all the Earth execute judgment and do righteously? (Genesis 18:25 AMPC)

This clearly states that there is a Judge in Heaven. There are at least 76 Bible verses that refer to God as our Judge. Here are three:

God is a righteous Judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. (Psalm 7:11 AMPC)

…And to the church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in Heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in Heaven) who have been made perfect... (Hebrews 12:23 AMPC)

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. (James 4:12 ESV)

Jesus told a parable about a widow who appeared before an unjust judge asking for justice and protection. After a time, this judge, who neither respected nor reverenced God, did as she asked because of her continued pestering. After presenting this parable, Jesus says, “Will not our just God defend, protect, and avenge His people who cry to Him night and day?”

God is a just Judge for those who seek Him. He has not abandoned us, He sent the two best aids we could ever ask for and each helps us in the CoH, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 


Our Lawyer

Jesus is referred to as both Mediator and Advocate:

For there is one God, and one Mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus… (1 Timothy 2:5 NASB)

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the Mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6 NASB)

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous… (1 John 2:1 NASB)

In the first Book of John (or John 1), the word “advocate” is paraklētos, which means one who pleads a case before a judge; a council for a legal defense. The word “mediator” in Greek is mesitēs meaning to act as a mediator between litigating or covenanting parties, according to “Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.” This makes it clear that Jesus is our legal aid in the CoH.

*Other verses for Jesus as Mediator: Hebrews 9:15, 9:24, 12:24, and Romans 8:24


Our Counselor

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever… (John 14:16 AMPC)

The Holy Spirit is our Counselor. The Greek word paraklētos is defined as a guide, mentor, or expert and is used five times, once for Jesus and all other times for the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Advocate and Head Lawyer in Heaven and the Holy Spirit is our Counselor and our Advocate who is with us here on Earth and in Heaven.

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads on our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. (Romans 8:26 AMPC)

This verse sums up the role the Holy Spirit plays in the CoH. The Greek word hyperentygchanō is only used once in the entire Bible. This word is as complicated as it is long. Let us break down the word into its basic parts:

  • hyper – for benefit 
  • en – is an amplifier to add intensity to the next phrase
  • tygchanō – literal translation is “to obtain by hitting the mark.” The bullseye is more accurate. 

To fully understand how this word should be used in English, keep in mind that sin means “missing the mark.”

As an Advocate, the Holy Spirit works on our behalf so that we don't miss the mark.

This is why the word is defined in Strong's Concordance as “intercede for, to petition.”


The Prosecuting Attorney

The word translated “Satan” in the Old Testament is not a person's name. The name Lucifer was given to the angel who rebelled against God because he refused to submit to what he considered lesser beings, mankind. Since the Bible is written in various languages, understanding what a word means can be very enlightening:

  • Hebrew: “Satan” is a legal term that literally means, “one who places charges against you.” It has a legal root, implying it is in a court of law. 
  • Greek: it can refer to Lucifer, or as we have previously mentioned, it can be any adversary. We know that he is constantly bringing cases against us.

The word Satan, in many cases, could literally be interpreted as “prosecuting attorney.” The truth of that is seen in the final verse of Revelation 12:10:

…for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! (Revelations 12:10 AMPC)

I don't believe Satan fully understands what Jesus' blood accomplished and is constantly thwarted when the blood of Jesus is properly applied. This signifies that right now, Satan is still placing charges against us in the Courts of Heaven. We must learn how to fight back!


Jesus Paid the Price

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree: (Galatians 3:13 AKJV)

You may be asking yourself, “Why do we need to fight Satan? Didn’t Jesus pay the price and free us from the Law and all consequences of sin so why do we need to worry about anything else?” The word is “curse,” not curses. It is singular. The single curse of the Law of Moses is that you went to Hell from breaking any part of it without presenting a sacrifice to cover that sin. This is the curse that Jesus frees us from when we take Jesus as Lord. 

Israel had a yearly sacrifice, but we have one that is much better, the blood of our Lord. It is good forever. Once we take Jesus as Lord, we are free from the CURSE of the Law that sends us to Hell. The Old Testament is filled with stories about what happened to Israel when they continued to sin, expecting the sacrifices to make everything okay. God handed them over to their enemies, who brutally persecuted them. 

Christians are making this same mistake with the sacrifice of God’s Son. Many think that after taking Jesus as Lord their sin doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, there are consequences for sin in this life: it gives the enemy a chance to place charges against us in the CoH. These sins are also causing the cup of wrath in Revelation to be filled. To learn more about the prophesied “cup of wrath” check out the free 701 Revelation course, which makes the Book of Revelation easy to understand.


The Law Continues  

Until God’s wrath comes, Satan is given access to us through our sin.

Think not that I Am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I Am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, Till Heaven and Earth pass, one stroke or one pronunciation mark shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17-18 AKJV)

Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill the necessary sacrifice for our redemption. The Law will remain as long as Heaven and Earth exist. God is still Judge, the Ten Commandments are His laws. When we break those rules in this life, there are still consequences.

Most people will quote the following verses to support the following scripture:

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]… (John 3:17-18)

In the Amplified Version of the Bible, descriptors were added in brackets to more fully explain the meaning of the text. We should also consider the context of this scripture as well as the verse preceding it:

In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! (John 3:16)

The topic is our eternal salvation; freedom from the curse of the Law. Believing and confessing Jesus as Lord allows us to be judged on His merits rather than our own, so that we can receive eternal life. It does not state that the CoH are no longer in operation and that verdicts from the Courts have ceased to be rendered in this life. Only the judgments pertaining to the next life are removed when we accept Jesus as Lord. 

We need to claim our freedom from attacks of the enemy just as we claimed our freedom from the curse of the Law. We don’t get to go to Heaven just because we know about Jesus, we must confess that He is the Son of God and Lord in order to receive that promise. When we declare that we are His property, we get to go where He is when we die, in Heaven. The natural world echoes this. If you pledge your loyalty to an earthly king, you have the right to live in his kingdom.

This principle is clearly demonstrated in the Book of Luke. One of the two thieves who hung on the cross next to Jesus made this simple statement, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That simple confession, because he believed that Jesus would rule in Heaven and called Him Lord, which means owner, master, was enough for the thief to be forgiven and see Jesus in Heaven. It is a matter of the heart – deep down, what you believe beyond a doubt – that you state out loud, saying what you believe with words and sincerity. 

If you have not yet taken Jesus as Lord, I would recommend reading the first book in the Believers’ Boot Camp series; “Why Doesn’t God Speak to Me?” (FREE on Kindle and PDF - see Agape-CF.org for more info). This book will explain the basics of how to hear from God, how to read and understand the Bible, and many other items that will be useful as you learn about the CoH.

God spoke to create the world; He created us in His image, therefore our words have power. The freedom from the effects of the Law comes the same way. We must declare that we are free from the curse of the Law as we accepted Jesus as Lord. We must also voice our intent to turn from sin. 

For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned and sentenced… (Matthew 12:37 AMPC)

Take note of the legal terminology used: justified, acquitted, condemned, and sentenced. Our words here have an impact in the CoH, which are still in operation. 

We do not need to abandon all other teachings about God to embrace the revelation of the CoH. Quite the opposite: we need to understand how all the revelations of the Lord fit together. This is why the Lord had us create the CoH Academy. Not only does this free online school contain what we learned from visiting the CoH thousands of times with hundreds of people, but it has the principles needed so that Christians can understand how and when they should enter the Courts. 

Many testimonies have come forth of people becoming free from attacks of the enemy and healed as they apply what they learn in this school. 

We hope you will begin the classes soon, beginning with 101 Foundations! 

Free online school:

Courts of Heaven Academy: https://www.cohacademy.com/





More Articles on the Courts of Heaven can be found in the: 


Courts of Heaven
tab in the menu at the top.

FREE Books

Believers' Boot Camp series

Believers' Boot Camp - Volume One
Believers' Boot Camp: Volume Two


Many people think of boot camp as a place you train for combat. Any veteran will tell you that basic training is about three things:


  • Knowing what weapons are available 
  • Learning how to use those weapons 
  • Receiving orders and following them 
Believer’s Boot Camp series is a collection of books which teach us how to hear more clearly from God with the goal to ready ourselves for a face-to-face meeting with our Lord, Jesus. The series reveals the “weapons and tools” God has given us and how to use them, so we can bring God’s kingdom to Earth. Each book in the series focuses on a single topic to clearly define one tool or weapon from our Heavenly Father. 

The series uses the Word of God to reveal all that He has given us through Jesus. The Bible is our instruction manual and the Holy Spirit is our guide to understanding it.

Why Doesn't God Speak to Me?

Believers’ Boot Camp, Volume 1

Eager hearts cry out, hoping for a single word to confirm that He hears us. Yet, many times the only sound is silence. Over the years I have heard several reasons why God speaks to some and not to others. One night, as I tossed and turned, I brought each of these reasons before the Lord, stating why each of them did not line up with who I thought He was. 

Words rose from my soul, pleading for Him to reveal why He has remained silent when a single word from Him would mean so much to so many. For the next few hours, God used things I learned about years ago and things I had just discovered to show why He talks to some and why He doesn’t, and in demonstrative ways. 

In His grace, He also showed me how people could hear more from Him. Basic instructions on how to hear more from God and how to be led by Him are included in this book. Thank you for taking time to consider the answers I received and share with you now.

Keys to Authority for Every Believer

Believers’ Boot Camp, Volume 2

There is untapped power that is easy for every Christian to access in the form of authority. The keys to this authority will unlock weapons we can use to free ourselves from the attacks of the enemy. We must be intimately aware of the bounds and limitations of our weapon if they are to be used effectively. 

Find out about your authority:
  • Why you need it.
  • Where it comes from.
  • What you can do with it.
  • How to get more.

Destroying Curses in the Courts of Heaven

Believers’ Boot Camp, Volume 3


Our rights to appear in the Courts of Heaven have been greatly undervalued. The missing key to our authority is here. Jesus has provided the access and the Bible shows us the court procedures. When we learn to operate in our rightful place as children of the Most High, the enemy will be defeated and we will see the victory we have prayed for.

The death of Jesus freed us from the curse of the law. However, we must declare this freedom just as we must make a declaration for our salvation.

  • Can curses be passed to our children?
  • What are signs of a curse?
  • How do you get rid of one?

Every answer is backed by scripture. Come and find out how easy it is to be free!

Roadmap to Heaven

Believers’ Boot Camp, Volume 4



As I meditated and sought the Lord, a vision overcame me. A “Roadmap to Heaven” was deposited into my soul. We are entering a season of unparalleled access to Heaven. Jesus is calling all who are His to visit with Him in the Secret Place of the Most High.

  • What is the Secret Place?
  • How do we enter?
  • What will we find there?

The Bible holds the answers, the mystery has been revealed. As you use the map given in this book to journey to the Secret Place, discover your destiny and find the gifts the Holy Spirit will bring along the way.


Freely given at:
Amazon Kindle – iBooks
Paperbacks at: Agape-CF.org

1 comment:

  1. I am grateful for this Rhema teaching more than you know!!! This is far more extensive than I have personally experienced in my studies but it lines up with what you have shared. Many many Thanks to you for getting this out to the Ekklesia.

    ReplyDelete