An Amillennial understanding of the Kingdom of God

[Saint Nicholas]

An AMILLENNIAL
UNDERSTANDING
of
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
AND THE REDEMPTION
of
HIS PEOPLE



Nicholas A. Laurienzo

PREFACE

Many books have been written in this area of Christian theology called “Eschatology”. Especially in the last 45 years. Booksellers are overwhelmed in the sale of these books. This is good and well, for it shows an interest on the part of the buyer to learn. Hopefully that is of course. However there is also a down side to this. That being a reluctance by some to honestly weigh the evidence and validity of the interpretations of the differing views to arrive at a personal and individual conviction.

Church members find this a more difficult task because of a natural bias they must adhere too in maintaining their specific church membership and teachings. But this is not an impossible task. For with God all things are possible. Once the truth and conviction of God so permeates the conscience of a true believer they are free to leave that specific church group to find others of like persuasion.

I personally have found that by reading different authors with differing views on the subject of Eschatology my quest was in fact a blessing to me. Not only initially to my abandoning of Dispensational Premillennialism many years ago, but toward a belief in Amillennialism, This quest and hunger for truth had enlightened me to the dangers of full blown Preterism, and the shortcomings and faults of Pre and Post Millennial systems of thought and interpretation.

My purpose in writing these essays is to set forth the truths of the Apostolic witness and how this witness gives full glory to Jesus Christ as the fulfiller and fulfillment of all of Israel’s hopes as prophesied in the Old Testament scriptures. The Evangel.

Many topics and concepts will be discussed and will undoubtedly clash with divergent views. But do these divergent views reflect what the Scriptures teach about Jesus Christ’s redemptive acts, the millennial age, and His second coming? We shall see. You are free to decide for yourselves.

It is argued that Amillennarians do not believe in any millennial age. Of course the term “A-Millennial could imply such a notion. But that is not correct at all. Non-Chiliast would be a better understanding. Amillennarians believe that the millennium was and is a present reality of Christ’s Heavenly reign from His first advent, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven as witnessed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, till His second coming to usher in the New Heaven and Earth. Not an anticipated future hope of an earthly 1,000 year rule on earth.

Upcoming we will raise some theological questions and provide answers concerning the presence of evil during the Millennial age. Is there a future Golden Age as promoted by some postmillennarians? Did Christ return in 70 A.D. as claimed by preterists? Do the scriptures teach a future 1,000 literal year Millennium characterized by a reinstatement of “types and shadows”, a rebuilt Temple, the Levitical Priesthood, Temple Sacrifices, the blood physical Jews in the Land, etc. as claimed by Dispensational and Historical Premillennialist? Who are God’s chosen people?

These questions and many more will be discussed and answered.

We as believers in Jesus Christ must be aware of the consequences of our millennial views and how they, if false, are repudiating and or confounding other foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.

For instance “Justification and Eschatology” How do they correlate? The prophetic scriptures are bound inseparably to the Evangelical. Any teaching of Eschatology that does not correlate God’s redemptive acts in Christ are useless.

The Evangel determines our view of Old testament prophesies. Christ the Messiah is the central focus of the Old testament hopes concerning Israel, and always throughout, even till the end of history.

We focus on Christ, not national Israel as dispensationalists and pre-mils do.

The religious scene today is preoccupied with things other than the Gospel. Things such as subjective experiences, health wealth and prosperity, and future earthly blessings in the form of earthly utopias.

The Evangel, the historic redemptive acts in Christ must call into question all that we teach and preach including eschatology. Without Christ “the awaited Messiah of Israel” as the central theme and focus, all Christian attempts to understand Old testament prophesies are as useless as Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce.

I’m not going to engage in cheap polemics but rather shine the light of truth on darkness.

To understand Old Testament prophesies we must understand Hebrew thought and how it was transmitted and conveyed through metaphoric language. This is extremely important in understanding Christ’s message and teachings along with the other new testament writers.

Up until early in the 19th century it has been generally accepted that the Christian church is the fulfillment of the kingdom prophesies. The glorious predictions of the prophets concerning Israel have or are to have mainly their fulfillment in the Church. However I myself take this a bit further in clarifying that these fulfillment's are for the “ekklesia” the living body of Christ. Not the church in the general corporate or institutional sense of the word. For they have within themselves both elect and reprobate.

However, today there has been a radical departure from this view. For over a hundred years or more it has been widely accepted that Israel and the Church are quite distinct in that the Old Testament prophesies concerning Israel, find their fulfillment in National Israel only and not the ekklesia. National Israel is God’s earthly chosen people and the ekklesia are a mystery people unknown to the prophets of old only to be first revealed by Paul the Apostle. Also I may add that these mystery people while remaining on this earth have interrupted God’s fulfillment of His prophetic plan for National Israel. That is why it is necessary for this mystery church to leave this earth via the “Rapture” so God can get back to business in fulfilling the Kingdom prophesies and set up this Jewish age.

I can understand this line of reasoning from a Talmudic Jew, but not from theologians who claim to exalt Christ! This is preposterous! Are these the “re-discovered truths” as they the pre-mil Dispensationalists claim??

This is deplorable and dangerous!

No one who has any knowledge of Jewish history from 70 A.D. to this present day can honestly deny the fact that the Talmudic Jew has been a world problem and anti-Christian force. But why? Is it because he has been “out of the land” promised to their fathers? Would getting them back to the land of Palestine solve this problem? Should Palestine be exclusively theirs? Will this fix the problem?

Will the re- building of the “Temple” in Jerusalem with all it blood sacrifices solve this problem?

When they were “in the land” they cried out “crucify Him” When they were “in the land” they stoned and killed the prophets. When they were “in the land” they committed whoredom with surrounding nations. When they were “in the land” they sacrificed their children to false god’s.When they were “in the land” they committed acts of homosexuality equal to that city of SODOM.

Should so-called Christians and world governments rally in support to aid and abet Talmudic/Zionist Israel in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine? Will this solve their and our problem?

Is this the solution to the Jewish question?

Rather we should find the real source of the Jewish problem from the scriptures themselves. The real problem lies in the fact that they rejected and killed the Messiah promised to their race and were “scattered among the nations” as a punishment for their sin and treason. That they still continue in unbelief and consider themselves a “peculiar and chosen” people who’s ultimate destiny is to rule the earth under a messiah who is yet to come.

The solution for Jew and Gentile alike can only be found in the mercies and grace of the Gospel.

Does the Jew have a distinct and glorious future promised to him apart from Christ’s body?

Are Jews entitled to look for an “earthly kingdom” which is to be theirs?

Rather, Is not their need that heavenly salvation which is to be found in Christ alone?

I have raised some serious questions. Questions relating to pre-mil misconceptions of Old testament prophesies concerning National Israel.

Upcoming studies will be introduced sections at a time. This will be a long study due to the fact that there are many concepts to be understood.

Planning, research, study, typing, and most importantly praying will be time consuming. So please be patient.

I have no doubt that those who are seeking truth will be blessed. And so will I.

Your servant in Christ,

Nicholas

[Robert R. Higby]

I look forward to your studies a lot, Nick. I have been convicted for a long time that this is one of the 'watershed' issues evidencing whether an interpreter respects the gospel hermeneutic of scripture or not.

This quest and hunger for truth had enlightened me to the dangers of full blown Preterism, and the shortcomings and faults of Pre and Post Millennial systems of thought and interpretation.

Exactly right, all of these systems ignore the gospel hermeneutic and invent a strange delusion to replace it. That is why none of them respect the implications of the apostolic kerygma.

Full Preterism gives us no compass on the final reconciliation of all things in Christ (according to the gospel He has revealed through the apostolic witness).
Chiliasm denies the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in Christ, affirming synergism (a reduced and corrupted gospel) as God's destiny and ultimate purpose for the Jew.
Triumphalism denies the message of the cross as a stumbling block causing the fall of MANY, affirming that God's name is only honored if Christians are ultimately the majority on earth.

--Bro. Bob

[Saint Nicholas]

DIFFERING ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEWS

We can define Eschatology from two Greek words “eschatos” and “logos” meaning the study or doctrine of last things. However, eschatology is not confined to historical and world events that are future to us, nor confined to events of the past only. Eschatology also has personal dimensions concerning regeneration (eternal Spiritual life in the present) physical death, immortality, the intermediate state, resurrection, the end of the age, final judgment, concluding with the eternal state.

In our current day religious scene, all to often “sensational” eschatology is rather focused on “the time of the rapture” “the Nation of Israel” “the great tribulation” “a future millennial age” and “the antichrist”. Rarely when discussing eschatology with so-called Christians, will Christ be mentioned. If He is mentioned, it will only be in relation to Him sitting on some throne in the land of Palestine for a numerically thousand years.

The central and paramount issues of the Christ Event are just not there!

Within our existential realm, we as believers can only have conscience existence in the present. However, within this present existence we also maintain a conscience awareness of the past. We do not live in the past, but are aware of the past by understanding historical objective events. Likewise, we do not live in the future, but are aware of the future by understanding concrete objective Spiritual realities made known to us by the Gospel with all it’s benefits. Any brand of eschatology that does not include the “present” conscience state and awareness of Gospel realities made known to the believer in relation to Christ, His Kingdom, and historic acts of redemption is seriously deficient.


Christ and His Kingdom are now a present reality made known to us by the Holy Spirit, just as Satan is a present reality revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Neither Christ (Ultimate God) nor Satan (Ultimate Anti-Christ) are limited solely to the past or future historical events.

Let’s look at different schools of eschatology. The below comparisons are taken from amillennialist Kim Riddlebarger, and represent in my opinion, a fair unbiased treatment and understanding of these differing views.

__________________________________________________ ____________________________

Dispensational Premillennialism

Overview:

1. Distinctive Features and Emphases:

a. Dispensationalists argue for the necessity of the literal interpretation of all of the prophetic portions of Scripture. Charles Ryrie makes this point very clearly:

When the principles of literal interpretation both in regard to general and special hermeneutics are followed, the result the premillennial system of doctrine... If one interprets literally, he
arrives at the premillennial system.

This means that all promises made to David and Abraham under the Old Covenant are to be literally fulfilled in the future millennial age.

b. Dispensationalists insist that God has two redemptive plans, one for national Israel, and one for Gentiles during the "church age." This presupposition forms the basis for the dispensational hermeneutic. As John Walvoord states regarding the dispensational hermeneutic, "Pretribulationism distinguishes clearly between Israel and the church and their respective programs."

c. There is a "rapture" of believers when Jesus Christ secretly returns to earth before the seven year tribulation period begins (the seventieth week of Daniel, cf. Daniel 9:24-27). Believers do not experience the persecution of the Anti-Christ who rises to prominence during this "tribulation period." The Biblical data dealing with the time of tribulation is referring to unbelieving Israel, not the church. Therefore, church age, or the "age of grace," is to be seen as that period of time in which God is dealing with Gentiles prior to the coming of the kingdom of God during the millennium.

d. The visible and physical second coming of Christ occurs after the great tribulation. Those who are converted to Christ during the tribulation, including Jews (the 144,000) who turn to Christ, go on into the millennium to re-populate the earth. Glorified believers rule with Christ during his future reign.

e. Jesus came to earth bringing with him an "offer" of the kingdom to the Jews, who rejected him. God then turned to dealing with the Gentiles -thus, the church age is a parenthesis of sorts. The rapture is the next event to occur in Biblical prophecy. The signs of the end of the age (i.e., the birth of the nation of Israel, the revival of the Roman empire predicted in Daniel as seen through the emergence of the EEC [common market], the impending Russian-Arab invasion of Israel, etc.) all point to the immediacy of the secret return of Christ for his church. Antichrist is awaiting his revelation once the believing church is removed.

f. The millennium is marked by a return to Old Testament temple worship and sacrifice to commemorate the sacrifice of Christ. At the end of the millennium, the "great white throne" judgement occurs, and Satan and all unbelievers are cast into the lake of fire. There is the creation of a new heaven and earth.

Leading Proponents:

a. Dispensationalism was largely popularized through the Scofield Reference Bible, and is now represented, for example, by the notes in the Ryrie Study Bible. Hal Lindsey's book, The Late Great Planet Earth served to keep the movement in the mainstream of Evangelicalism in the late 60's and early 70's. The vast majority of the early Charismatic movement was dispensational in its orientation even though most dispensationalists emphasized that charismata ceased with the completion of the New Testament. As the Charismatic movement has matured and become more consistent in its own theology, dispensationalism has largely been jettisoned. Because of this, and because of the resurgence of questions of ethics (the dispensationalist cannot efficiently use his OT to answer ethical questions) dispensationalism is apparently on the decline.

b. Leading dispensational theologians include John Walvoord, Charles Ryrie, J. Dwight Pentecost, Norman Geisler and Charles Feinberg. Popular dispensational pastors and writers include; Charles Swindoll, Dave Hunt, Jack Van Impe and Charles Stan Chuck Smith and the Calvary Chapel movement represent the Charismatic side of dispensationalism.

c. Dallas Theological Seminary is the leading dispensational institution. Other dispensational institutions include: Talbot Theological Seminary, the Master's College and Grace Theological Seminary.

Bibliography:

The standard dispensational textbook is J. Dwight Pentecost's Things to Come (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978). Other important works include: Charles Ryrie, The Basis of the Premillennial Faith (New York: The Loizeaux Brothers, 1953); Charles Ryrie, Dispensationalism Today (Chicago: Moody Press, 1977); John Walvoord, The Millennial Kingdom (Grand Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation, 1983), and John F. Walvoord, The Rapture Question (Grand Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation, 1979). In addition, John Walvoord has authored an updated work incorporating all of his popular writings; Major Bible Prophecies (Grand Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation, 1991).


Historic Premillennielism

Overview:

1. Distinctive Features and Emphases:

a. While often popularly confused with "dispensational premillennialism" with but a mere disagreement as to the timing of the "rapture," historic premillennialism is, in actuality, a completely different eschatological system, largely rejecting the whole dispensational understanding of redemptive history.

b. The basic features of historic premillennialism are as follows. When Jesus began his public ministry the kingdom of God was manifest through His ministry. Upon His ascension into heaven and the "Gift of the Spirit" at Pentecost, the kingdom is present through the Spirit, until the end of the age, which is marked by the return of Christ to the earth in judgement. During the period immediately preceding the return of Christ, there is great apostasy and tribulation.

C. After the return of Christ, there will be a period of 1000 years (the millennium separating the "first" resurrection from the "second" resurrection. Satan will be bound, and the kingdom will consummated, that is, made visible during this period.

d. At the end of the millennial period, Satan will be loosed and there will be a massive rebellion (of "Gog and Magog"), immediately preceding the "second" resurrection or final judgement. After this, there will be the creation of a new Heaven and Earth.

Leading Proponents:

a. Without question, the best and most influential historic premillennialist was the late George Eldon Ladd of Fuller Theological Seminary. Through the work of Ladd, historic premillennialism gained scholarly respect and popularity among Evangelical and Reformed theologians. Other major historic premillennialists include the late Walter Martin, John Warwick Montgomery, J. Barton Payne, Heny Alford (the noted Greek scholar), and Theodore Zahn (the German NT specialist). The best examples of current historical premillennial work would the many scholars of the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Evangelical Free).

b. Historic premillennialism draws its name from the fact that many of the early Church Fathers (i.e. Ireneaus [140-203], who as a disciple of Polycarp, who had been an disciple of the apostle of John, Justin Martyr [100-165], and Papias [80-155]), apparently believed and taught that there would be a visible kingdom of God upon the earth, after the return of Christ.

c. Several major Evangelical seminaries have some historic premillennial representation such as Fuller and Trinity. Surprisingly, a number of the faculty of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis (a Reformed institution), held to a covenantal form of premillennialism -J.O. Buswell, J. Barton Payne and R. Laird Harris. However, all of these men have recently departed for glory, and the Reformed varieties of premillennialism are probably gone with them.

Bibliography:

The best of all the historic premillennial writers was the late George E Ladd. See his works on the subject: A Commentary on the Revelation (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1987), The Presence of the Future (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1981), The Last Things (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1982), and The Gospel of the Kingdom (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1981). Also very helpful is Robert Duncan Culver's Daniel and the Latter Days (Chicago: The Moody Press, 1977). This is the single best defense of historic premillennialism against the amillennial critique. See also J. Barton Payne's Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980). Another important work defending the Biblical basis for premillennialism is, Donald K. Campbell and Jeffrey L. Townsend, eds., A Case For Premillennialism:A New Consensus (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992)

Postmillennialism

Overview:

1. Distinctive Features and Emphases:

a. Generally speaking, postmillennialists affirm that the millennium is a period of one thousand years of universal peace and righteousness in this world, which precedes the return of Jesus Christ to earth in judgement. Postmillennialists are divided as to whether or not the period of time is a literal one thousand years, and whether or not the millennial age begins abruptly or gradually. Some see the millennial age as entirely future, others argue that it may have already begun to gradually emerge. Postmillennialists also disagree as to the events that mark the beginning of the millennial age, such as the conversion of Israel (Romans 9-11), the binding of Satan (Revelation 20), and the defeat of Antichrist.

b. Postmillennialism is in one sense the historic position of the church since the days of St. Augustine. Since all amillennial Christians (to be discussed below) are also technically postmillennial in their understanding of the millennium, (though self-consciously "postmillennial" Christians cannot not be "amillennial" in any sense) and since the term "amillennialism" was not coined until after the beginning of the twentieth century, it was common for Protestant dogmaticians to speak of the contrast between "pre" and "post" millennialism, without distinguishing between "a" and "post" millennialism. Therefore, the difference between amillennial and postmillennial Christians centers upon the character and length of the millennial age. Postmillennialists see the millennial age as commencing at some point during the present age, and as a period in which the kingdom of God triumphs over the kingdoms of this world. Amillennial Christians see the millennial age as occupying the entire period of time between the first and second coming Christ. Generally speaking, amillennial Christians see the millennial age as one of both the triumph of the spiritual kingdom of God and the corresponding rise of evil in opposition.

c. According to postmillennialists, there will be universal preaching and acceptance of the Gospel, and a complete and total victory of the kingdom of God, over the forces of Satan and unbelief. Postmillennialism is an optimistic eschatology of the victory grace of God in subduing evil in the world. During this period Satan will be effectually bound by the triumph of grace. Israel be converted somewhere near the beginning of the millennial Postmillennialists do disagree however, about the nature and details of these events.

d. At the end of the millennial period, Satan will be released the period of great tribulation and the apostasy described in Revelation 20 occurs, culminating in Gog and Magog and the Battle of Armageddon. Christ then returns in judgement (the "great throne judgement"), the resurrection occurs, and there is the creation of a new heaven and earth.

Leading Proponents:

a. Postmillennialism was popular among American Evangelicals in the period of unprecedented technological growth between 1870 and 1915. World War I largely served to squash the tremendous optimism regarding the growth of technology and the related optimism about the future of man, which was carried over in church in the form of an optimistic eschatology. Many Reformed theologians of this period are generally considered postmillennial, including the "Old-Princetonians," Charles Hodge, A. A. Hodge, and B. B. Warfield.

b. Recently, postmillennialism has seen a resurgence, with the rise of Christian reconstructionism and theonomy. In addition, there is mass confusion generated by critics of postmillennialism, such as Dave Hunt and Hal Lindsey, who portray the movement as taking two quite different and confusing forms -that of "Theonomy," and that of "Dominion Theology." Thus many Evangelicals fail to see these two forms as distinct and divergent movements. Setting out the differences between the two forms then is helpful.

1). The "theonomic" form of postmillennialism was initially presented by J. Marcellus Kik, and reworked into a full--blown ethical system known as "theonomy" or "reconstructionism" by R. J. Rushdoony. The business of the church was to work to see a theocracy restored upon the earth by emphasizing the continuity of OT law (civil, ceremonial and moral) with the NT. Once established, this victorious church would be the divine vehicle from which the ever advancing kingdom of God would bind Satan and subdue all evil in the world. The emphasis of theonomic postmillennialism is that it is God who exercises dominion through his church establishing His law as the law of the land. Other theologians in the postmillennial theonomic movement are, the late Greg Bahnsen, Ray Sutton and Gary North. Popular writers include Gary DeMarr, Kenneth Gentry, and Peter J. Leithart.

2). The "dominion" form of postmillennialism (though not all "dominion" advocates are postmillennial) is exclusively Pentecostal. This form believes the charismatic revival "Latter Rain") is God's means of binding Satan and allowing the Spirit-lead church to reclaim material possessions and wealth, which had been surrendered to unbelief and the kingdom of Satan. Once the Church understands its role and potential for dominion, through the work of the Spirit, be able to establish the kingdom of God on earth in it fullness, thereby bringing in a millennial age. The emphasis here is that it is the believer who must learn to exercise dominion if he is to take part in the advancing kingdom. Bishop Earl Paulk, Paul Yongli Cho and perhaps Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin and Pat Robertson.

d. The older form of postmillennialism, as practiced by Reformed theologians such as Hodge and Warfield, has little in common in emphasis with the modern theonomic approach to eschatology, which emphasizes the rise of a theocracy as the vehicle of dominion. The modern form raises serious questions about the Reformed understanding of the distinction between law and gospel. The result in many circles a peculiar hybrid, (a tertium quid, if you will) with a propensity for making strange bed-fellows.

Bibliography:

Standard classical Reformed postmillennial works are: Lorraine Boettner, The Millennium (Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed publishing Company, 1957); Roderick Campbell, Israel and the New Covenant (Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1954); Marcellus J. Kik, An Eschatology of Victory (Nutley: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1974). A classic expression of the older form of "postmillennialism" is found in the recently reprinted work; David Brown, Christ's Second Coming: Will It Be
Premillennial? (Edmonton: Still Waters Revival Books, 1990).

Ammillenialism

Overview:

1. Distinctive Features and Emphases:

a. The "a" millennial (literally meaning "no" millennium) position is the eschatological view of historic Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed Christianity. It would be my educated guess that about two-thirds of the Christian family espouse an amillennial eschatology. The amillennial position is as well the position of the vast majority of Reformed and Lutheran theologians. The position portrayed in these lectures is the Reformed understanding of amillennialism, which is better understood as "present" millennialism [or "realized" millennialism], since Reformed eschatology argues for a real, present, though "invisible" non-spatial millennium.

b. Amillennialists insist that the promises made to national Israel, David and Abraham, in the OT are fulfilled by Christ and the Church during this age, which is the millennium, that is the entire period of time between the two advents of our Lord. The "thousand years" are therefore symbolic of the entire inter-advental age. Satan is bound by Christ's victory over him and the establishment of the kingdom of God via the preaching of the gospel, and Satan is no longer free to deceive the nations, through the presence of Christ is reigning in heaven during this period with the martyrs who come out of the great tribulation. At the end of the millennial age, Christ returns in judgement of all men. The general resurrection occurs, final judgement takes place for all men and women, and a new Heaven and Earth are established.

C. In most forms of amillennialism, immediately before the return of Christ, Satan is unbound, there is a great apostasy, and a time of unprecedented satanically inspired evil. This last Satanic gasp and subsequent rebellious activity is destroyed by our Lord at his return.

Leading Proponents:

a. Amillennialism has always been the majority position of the Christian family. It was first articulated by St. Augustine, and has been given a distinctive Reformed emphasis through the work of Geerhardus Vos (the "Biblical-Theological" approach). As the "dispensational" movement captured the hearts and minds of conservative American Evangelicals, amillennialism was equated with "liberalism" or Roman Catholicism. The supposed interpreting prophecy "spiritually" or "not-literally" has lead to the rejection of amillennialism by many. In addition, amillennialism suffered greatly from the failure of Reformed and Luthern writers to defend the position against the likes of Dave Hunt, Chuck Missler and Hal Lindsey, who has labeled the position as "demonic and heretical," and the root of modern anti-semitism.

b. Leading contemporary "amill" theologians would include popular writers such as J. I. Packer, Mike Horton, [the late] Calvin seminary professor, Anthony Hoekema, and RC Sproul (now Postmill partial Preterist Ed). In addition, all of the Reformers, as well as the Reformed and Lutheran confessional traditions, as a whole, have been amillennial.

Bibliography:

The most important and useful amillennial work is the excellent book by Anthony A. Hoekema, The Bible and the Future (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1982). Also helpful are: Oswald T. Allis, Prophecy and the Church (Phillipsburg: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1947); Arthur Lewis, The Dark Side of the Millennium (Grand Rapids: Baker Book
House, 1980); William E. Cox, Amillennialism Today (PhilIipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1966); William E. Cox, Biblical Studies in Final Things (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1966).

__________________________________________________ ____________________________


There is another view that I want to mention. There are some who either deliberately or naively have confused Realized Eschatology (the system as a whole) with Amillennialism in some manner.

Realized Eschatology

Realized Eschatology affirms that all prophecies regarding “the end times” were fulfilled in A.D.70 at the destruction of Jerusalem, including: The Second Coming of Christ, The Resurrection of the Dead, The Day of Judgment, The End of the World, etc.Furthermore, proponents of this doctrine affirm that Christ’s Kingdom/Church was not fully established on Pentecost. Instead, the kingdom was born in Acts 2, but did not come with“power” and fulness until Jerusalem was destroyed in A. D. 70. “The last days” never apply to the Christian age, but always to the closing period of the Jewish age (A.D. 30- A.D. 70).

To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

ORGANIC UNITY OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS


Back in the latter portion of the 1980's I was employed as a sales manager in the Institutional Food Business. Hospitals, Hotels, and Restaurants. My primary function was to solicit new accounts and maintain them through my subordinates.

I can vividly recall two incidents. The first, when I visited a current customer of mine that owned a Deli. The owner and his two sons who worked for him were thoroughly Jewish, “Yamaka” and all. I loved stopping there on occasion for lunch, because he sold the best Corned Beef sandwiches in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. I love Jewish style corned beef sandwiches with Kosher pickle

While I was sitting at the counter eating my lunch, one of his sons looked at my briefcase which had a sticker I had placed on it that read “Jesus Is Lord”. He gazed at that sticker a few times, then came behind the counter and asked me if I wanted my coffee cup refilled. I knew from his reaction to seeing that sticker, he was going to say something about it.

He asked me, “Nick what religion do you belong too.?” I responded by saying, “I’m a true Jew from the seed of Abraham and follower of Jesus the Messiah of Israel.”

You had to be there to see the expression on his face when he heard that. He was not mad at all, at least outwardly seeing that is, he may have been inwardly, I could not tell. But rather had a perplexed look about himself. Due to many customers seated at the counter and tables, he did not enter into a long discussion with me but briefly said “How can you being an Italian and Christian claim to be a Jew”? End of discussion. But the whole time I was there, he was looking very strangely at me.

The second incident was with a neighbor of mine that lived across the street from me. He and his family belonged to a free will, fundamental, dispensational Baptist church. One day while outdoors cutting the grass, he being outdoors also, approached me, asking what church I belonged too. I responded by telling him, “I’m a true Jew from the seed of Abraham and follower of Jesus the Messiah of Israel.” Again, like previously with the Jew, I received a strange and perplexed look from him. He said to me “The Jews are God’s chosen people, and he has a specific plan for them.” There is more to that story.


Can anyone understand why these two individuals were perplexed and reacted strangely to my statement?

It’s all a matter of identity.

The Jew and Christian alike, both are in need of the following to maintain their distinct identity.

God (Trinity)
Miracles
A reigning King
Kingdom
Priesthood
Sacrifice
Election
Covenant
Law
Justification
Sanctification
Atonement
Temple
Circumcision
Faith
Sabbath
Feast Days
Prophet
City
Land

And most importantly, A JEWISH MESSIAH.

“For salvation is of the Jews”

Upcoming we will examine these above points in light of fulfillment one by one.


Primary Principle of Interpretation

There is one important principle that must be introduced at this point. That is “The New Testament Gospel and Apostolic Kerygma Interprets The Old Testament Scriptures”

This must be so.

John 16: 5-13

5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’
6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Jesus told His disciples that it was an advantage for them that He go away. If not, the Helper (Holy Spirit) would not come. Because Christ did depart, He sends the Helper.

The Helper bestows on the “ekklesia” the eyes needed to understand truth.

He will guide us into all truth.
He will tell us things to come.
He will glorify Christ
He will declare to us what is Christ’s

What belonged to the Father (Old Testament Kingdom) is now Christ’s (New Testament Kingdom) and declared to us. One Fulfilled Plan, One King, One Kingdom, One People. One Identity.

He.1:8-9, Ps.45:6-7

The Primary role of the Holy Spirit is to convict and reveal Christ.

From this vantage point, the New Testament authors can give us an accurate interpretation of the Christ Event, and how Christ is the fulfillment of all that was prophesied in the Old.

Were the Apostles obtaining their teachings from a New Testament?, or rather teaching and interpreting from the Old Testament Scriptures and from Christ Himself ?

We are forced to understand the Old Testament in the greater light of Christ and the Apostolic Kerygma.

The Old and New Testaments are not radically divorced from one another.

Jesus came to fulfill, not repudiate, nor interrupt, nor abrogate Old Testament Israel’s prophesies and historical identity concerning Israel.

The New Testament needs the Old, just as much as Old needs the New.

The Old gives meaning and historical context to the vocabulary of the New. The New brings to light the fulfillment and understanding of the Old.

If the Old is to be so radically divorced and alienated from the New, (as in pre-mil Dipensationalism), then Christ and His body of believers would have no real meaning or identity in this world.

This is the main problem with dispensational premillennialism, for it so radically divorces, better yet excludes the ekklesia from the hopes, identity, and promises of Old. Is it any wonder they call Christ’s ekklesia a mystery unknown in the Old, and an interruption of the Old?

The Messiah of Israel is the living embodiment and fulfillment of all Israel’s hopes?

A rejection of the Messiah, forfeits the rite to be called a Jew and alienated from the promises made to Israel.
An Acceptance of the Messiah, by inheritance makes you a Jew in the truest sense, with all Israel’s blessings and promises

Likewise the Historic Pre-Mills. So radically isolate the “present” reality of Christ’s victory and reign, by relegating His reign to a future expectation of a thousand years. A reestablishment of a people ( Talmudic Jews) who can only find their true identity in Christ. Not in some monarchical reestablished of the Old testament types and shadows. Temple, Priest, Sacrifices, etc. They totally miss the message of the Old Testament hopes and aspirations of Israel as expressed by the prophets of Israel.

When the Jews rejected Christ the Messiah. “crucify Him” “we have no king but Caesar” They were rejecting Moses, the prophets, and David (psalms), for “they all spake concerning Him”. By rejecting Christ they in fact were rejecting the Father. Jesus said “I and the Father are one”. Therefore they repudiated and forfeited their own historical identity as Jews. By an acceptance of Jesus Christ both Jew and Gentile have become true Jews, true Israel, and share the blessings of covenant of true Israel. We will further develop these concepts in more detail in part two.

If then the Jew has rejected The Father, Moses, the Prophets, and David, what heritage then is remaining for them for a self identification? None! Jew and Gentile alike must be Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Christ and His people are the true Chosen People. They are Israel in the truest and ultimate sense.

Today we hear all this nonsense being spewed out that Jews still remain as God’s chosen people. That God has a wonderful plan for them in the land of Palestine for a thousand years.

Jesus and His disciples were men of the Old Testament. They conveyed their message using Old Testament terms. If we are to understand the New, we must know the Old. The Old is essential to the New Testament witness.

The New Testament witness always speaks of the Old, in terms of fulfillment. Not replacement, nor repudiation, nor interruption, Jesus came to fulfill. Mt. 5:17.

To be continued

[Saint Nicholas]

Christ and the Gospel is the only faith that finds it’s meaning and identity rooted in historical events.

The Gospel is not some sort of mythological ethereal principle or timeless ideal. Nor is it reduced to mystical subjective human experiences that would enhance one’s emotional psyche. Neither is it just a set morals and ethical standards we should live by. But is the power of God unto salvation.

It sickening to listen to modern day presentations of Christ. Health wealth and prosperity, positive thinking, charismania, altruism, syncretism, existentialism, living an enhanced moral and spiritual life, social reform, etc. These so-called preachers and teachers all fail to present the Christ of history. The Christ of Israel.

God has predetermined and preordained all of history from eternity, nonetheless God’s purpose for the redemption and restoration of both man and creation are demonstrated throughout history. The revelation of Jesus Christ is derived from an historical setting/framework.

From the very beginning of history we see God’s interaction with mankind and the solution to man’s problem of sin. That solution being Jesus Christ.


Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Because of Adam’s need for righteousness, redemption was predetermined by God through the salvific work of Jesus Christ. The above passage is a first historical reference that introduces the promise of Jesus Christ. It also introduces to distinct people (seeds) Elect and Reprobates.

The Apostles preached Christ from the Old Testament Scriptures. Those scriptures were the “bible” for Jesus and His Apostles.

Prior to Christ, the law , prophets, and psalms pointed to a promised hope for Israel. With the Helper (Holy Spirit), the veil was removed and they (true Jews) seen that the Scripture existed for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Col. 1:16“because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created,”

Every aspect of human and spiritual existence including evil have been created and subjected to Christ’s dominion and rule.

John 5:45-46 `Do not think that I will accuse you unto the Father; there is who is accusing you, Moses -- in whom ye have hoped; “for if ye were believing Moses, ye would have been believing me, for he wrote concerning me;”

Our Lord said to the wicked reprobate religious leaders that Moses accuses them in their denial of Him. The religious leaders and their followers were blinded to their own purpose and calling.

True Jews see that the law and prophets testify to Christ. God in the Old testament manifested His power and Glory through miraculous wonders. And likewise Jesus Christ true God and true Israel has done the same.

Acts 10: 38-43 “ Jesus who [is] from Nazareth -- how God did anoint him with the Holy Spirit and power; who went through, doing good, and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with him; and we -- we are witnesses of all things that he did, both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, -- whom they did slay, having hanged upon a tree. This one God did raise up the third day, and gave him to become manifest, not to all the people, but to witnesses, to those having been chosen before by God -- to us who did eat with [him], and did drink with him, after his rising out of the dead; and he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify fully that it is he who hath been ordained by God judge of living and dead – to this one do all the prophets testify, that through his name every one that is believing in him doth receive remission of sins.'”

True Jews also see that God’s righteousness in the law and prophets point to Christ.

Romans 1:2; 3:21“which He announced before through His prophets in holy writings” “ And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets”

1 Co 15:3-4 “for I delivered to you first, what also I did receive, that Christ died for our sins, according to the Writings, and that he was buried, and that he hath risen on the third day, according to the Writings,”

The whole of maintaining Israel’s realization and identity was to see their God in the personification of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament had provided the historical framework and setting to see God in Christ. The Elect saw Christ, and the rest were blinded.

Christ and the Apostles used the language of “that which was fulfilled” “according to the scriptures”. The dawn of a new day had come and the Kingdom was at hand. The King of Israel had accomplished His mission “it is finished” He conquered sin and death. At sits at the right hand of God.


There are three basic features of the Old Testament.

History; in that it shows the mighty and epoch acts of God through creation, the flood, destruction of Sodom, the plagues of Egypt, Exodus, and creation of the Hebrew nation. These actual real historical events barr any notion of a complete allegorical and mythical interpretation of history. These were real events with real people and a real God

Legal; in that it demonstrates the use of a Covenant arrangement between God and a people. It binds man to God and God to man. It has legal stipulations that must be met to incur blessings or if breached, curses.

Commemorative; in that it celebrates the mighty works of God in redemption. Israel’s worship is shown through Sabbaths, ceremonies, harvest festivals, feast days, and psalms. They show the mighty acts of God in the deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Ps. 66:1-6 Ps.78, 105, 106.

All three of these basic features are fulfilled in Christ.

We will develop these concepts further in our next segment.

To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

Why is it so important to stress unity between the Old and New Testaments, rather than those who oppose unity and use terms of separation , interruption, or radical isolation? A “that was for them” “and this is for us” mentality?


It’s of paramount importance that we view God’s redemptive purposes for elect man and creation as one continual ontological and eschatological struggle between Light (God/Christ) and Darkness (anti- God/Christ). And how this struggle historically was recorded From Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham, Abraham to Jacob/Israel, Moses to Christ (inauguration), Christ to consummation.

Elect individuals (chosen in Christ) from eternity have found their identity historically in the periods they lived/existed present to them.

It’s all about identity. Who are we in Christ??!!


Today those that profess Christ and call themselves Christian say I’m a Catholic, I’m a Baptist, I’m a Lutheran, I’m a Calvinist, I’m Pentecostal, etc. etc. This is not technically wrong, for identity must be relative to something or someone. In theological matters people identify with their doctrines or dogmas to give them a distinctiveness. However, we the Elect of God in our present day must think of ourselves more concretely to understand the full magnitude and implications of the Christ Event, and how it affects our thinking in relation to Eschatology.

It’s pointless and useless to discuss Eschatology with Chiliasts, due to the fact that our (Amillennial) core premise and presupposition is different. That’s why I’m spending this time initially in defending the premise that Christ and His Ekklesia are the true and real Israel of the scriptures. As opposed to Christ rejecting blood Jews. If one understands this premise to be true, then all forms of chiliast eschatology are bankrupt and false. For they deal with a people who are not in view at all, in any way, shape, or form in the prophetic plan of God

The ontological and eschatological tension is between Christ's Kingdom (His “ekklesia”) and Satan’s kingdom. Not the old testament blood/Jewish Christ rejectors.They are no longer Israel in any sense of the word!

If we are to engage in debate or study of Eschatology, we must first define and identify a people that have a prophetic future.

Does this make sense?

Some on this forum understand what I’m saying, but there is an audience out there, that I know are silent and are viewing p-net. When I look at the viewers on line, the numbers are there. Maybe they will engage in debate or maybe not. Only God knows.

It’s not about getting the “church” raptured so God can finish His plan for the Jews? For they are not Jews. We the body of Christ are the true Jews. We must understand this premise. Our struggles in this current age till it’s consummation, lie with those who reject the Gospel of Justification.

This is the battle. This is the line of demarcation. Election and Justification in Christ is the paramount issue that faces the “ekklesia” Those that reject the true pristine doctrine of an imputed righteousness justification, have rejected the Covenant of Israel. Justification and righteousness of a people was always the purpose and goal of redemption from Genesis to Christ! History is a redemptive history, aimed at a specific people. That being the Elect from all the nations.

To discuss the millennium, Daniel, Revelation, the Mark of the beast, the anti-Christ, and the rapture. We first must identify a people.


From Pentecost to this present day when an Elect individual has been regenerated unto life in Christ, we the “ekklesia” enter into the Kingdom of True Israel with the Jewish Christ who is our King. (Mt. 2:2, Mt.21:5, Mk. 15:2, Lu. 23:3, Jo. 1:49) We are united and bound to Him by covenant.(Mt. 26:28, Ro.11:27, 2 Co. 3:6, 2 Co.3:14) We are not divorced from Israel, we are Israel in the truest and ultimate reality. (Gal 6:16) We find our roots and heritage in Israel. (Ro. 11:1-28.) We enter the realm and Kingdom of Israel, (Mk. 1:15, Mt. 3:2, Mt. 10:7, Lu. 8:10, Lu. 11:20, Jn. 3:3) with all it’s distinguishing characteristics that made them of old, a peculiar people among the nations.

We possess in the Jewish Messiah the same God as them of Old. They rejected Him, and the Elect obtained Him.

God (Trinity)
De. 6:4, Mk. 12:29, Jn.1:1-5, 1Jn. 5:7

Miracles
Ex. 3:20, Ex.34:10, Jud.6:13, Mt.11:21, Lk.10:13, Lu 19:37, Ac.2:22

A Reigning King
2 S 3:4, 5:12, Mt. 2:2, Mt.21:5, Mk. 15:2, Lu. 23:3, Jo. 1:49, 1 Ti. 1:15, 6:15, Re. 17:14

Kingdom
Ps.45:6 He. 1:8

Priesthood
Ge.14:18, Ex. 28:1, He.2:17, 3:1, 4:14, 5:5-6, 5:10, 7:3, 7:17, 8:1, 10:21

Sacrifice
Ge.31:54, Ex. 5:3, Ex.12:27, Ex.23:18, De.12:27, Ep.5:2, He.9:26, 10:12,

Election
Is.42:1, 45:4, Ro.8:33, Col. 3:12, 1Pe. 1:2

This point (election) needs to be fully expounded. Because it is critical in understanding Paul in Romans 9 and 11. The Chiliasts due to their insistence on a radical interruption of the “church” and a wrong people, force Paul to say and mean something quite different.

To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

Election and Eschatology

A correct understanding of the doctrine of election is vital and of paramount importance to our understanding of the redemptive purposes of God. For the whole of God’s redemptive purpose in relation to man are aimed at a specific group of people. That people being the “elect” of God, from all ages. From Adam to Christ’s second advent (consummation) to destroy this present age and usher in the “New Heaven and Earth”.

The Old testament Scriptures are not silent as to the universal dimension and nature of God’s redemptive purposes for a specific people. The Chiliasts dispensationalists, would have us think that only due to National (blood and ethnic) Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, a plan B contingency,(parenthesis) was then invented by God to offer salvation to a “mystery” people called Gentiles. That this was an interruption of God’s plan for ethnic Israel, rather than a fulfillment of His purpose in Christ as the “old” scriptures allude too.

The reprobate and unregenerate Jews in Christ’s day thought along those same faulty lines. They identified themselves as a chosen and unique people only in relation to “ethnicity”, “blood heritage, and a “covenant” But that covenant was a shadow of the real. The blood of bulls and goats could not remove one sin. He.10:4. In their pride, arrogance, and self righteousness, Samaritans, Gentiles, and those not of their blood and heritage were considered “dogs”, “outcasts”, and “sinners”. They were blinded to the real purpose and reason for their calling.

The Old Testament reveals the universal dimension of salvation for an elect people, expressed in the promises made to Israel and fulfilled in Christ.

God uses an exclusive plan for National Israel for universal purposes.

The below scriptures show a universal aspect of God’s purposes.

Ge. 12:1-3“1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you (Abraham) into a great nation, and I will bless you (Abraham); I will make your name (Abraham) great, and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you,(Abraham) and whoever curses you (Abraham) I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Abraham)”.

The birth of the nation of Israel subsequently from Abraham’s loin cannot be radically
separated.National Israel can only find it’s true and real identity through Abraham. Two main identifiers were given to Abraham and his true seed. One, being faith alone for righteousness. Two, circumcision.

We will further develop these two concepts. But let’s list more of scripture depicting the universal character of God’s purposes and realm. The radical chiliast make the grave error of seeing two distinct plans, for two distinct people, ie. Ethnic Israel and the Ekklesia. But that is patently false.

Kingship of creation: Ps 24:1; 47:2; 93:1, 95:3.

Kingship of the nations: Ps.47:3; 99:2; Je.10:7

Kingship of Israel: Is. 6:5, 41:21, 44:6, in 44:6 a direct reference to Jesus “First and Last”, 52:7 alludes to Jesus Christ and His Salvation.

Jesus Christ the King, inherits the nations: Ps.2:6-8; 72:1; also 8-11; and 17-19; Ps.22:27-28; Zec.9:9-10.

Is.49:6 “he says: It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept .I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Also, Is.60:1-3; Is.45:22; Mal.1:11.

How in the world can ethnic national Israel apart from Christ, be considered a light for the Gentiles? It can only come through Jesus the true light. Jn.1:1-9. Due to their rejection of Christ, they (ethnic Israel) are no light at all, and without purpose.

Zechariah specifically prophesies Jesus Christ: Zec.9:9-10 “ Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion Shout, Daughter Jerusalem See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

Their (blood Jews) rejection of the Messiah did not frustrate His/God’s purposes. Man cannot stop the purpose of God.. Christ’s rule/millennium, was not postponed to some future age. If that be so, then this current “mystery” (as they claim) Gospel age is emptied of all it’s splendor, power, and glory! And that despite the fact we are united to the Jewish Messiah Christ by virtue of the power of the Holy Spirit !

The elect reach their ultimate destiny through elect Abraham, elect Isaac, elect Jacob, and ultimately and finally through his elect seed Jesus: Ge.12:1-3; 1 K. 8:41-43; Is.2:2-4; 60:1-3; Zec. 8:20-23;


When the Apostolic kerygma shows Jesus to be the true, real Israel, and awaited Messiah, they assumed the universal scope of salvation written in the old testament, to be exclusively through that nation and culminating in their awaited Messiah.

This bars any notion of a “many roads to God” theology. 1Ti.2:5“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,"

But the chiliast insist that God could still mediate his purpose toward a people (Talmudic, Zionist Israel) that in fact have rejected the Mediator/Christ.

As previously mentioned, God only relates to His people through the use of a covenant arrangement. Outside of Christ, there is no real and meaningful covenant of Grace. The blood ethnic Jews, are outside of Christ by their rejection of Him, and have no relationship by virtue of union to God at all ! Rejecting Christ was a rejection of the God of the old, Moses, Law, Prophets, and Psalms.

Let’s take a brief moment to look at some of the curses from God, through a law covenant, placed on ethnic Israel.

De. 28:15-64

Please read the chapter.

15 However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:

Mk. 11:21; Ga.3:10;Mt. 27:25

Not only did God place curses on these people in old testament history, Christ cursed the fig tree. And today they are under the curse of the law.

Because they forsook God/Jesus, the Jews will forever have a Godless and anti-Christ Talmudic religion. But their heresies existed centuries before Christ came to them.

When in vs 24. It refers to “rain turning to into dust and powder, this is metaphoric language that describes the dryness and baroness of a life without the true water and rain of the Holy Spirit, in which they blasphemed in Christ’s day. Christ is the living water.

Jn 4:10-14 “10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The woman asked “Are you greater than our father Jacob?” Of course Jesus is! Because Jesus is the true Israel. His water gives Eternal Life. Jacob’s (of old) water makes one thirst again. Jacob was only a type of Christ. However all types are imperfect. But they do convey an important meaning.


Read the history of the destruction and sacking of Israel by Titus in 70Ad. It was devastating

Because they were apostate for centuries prior to Christ, they were blinded, confused, and mad.That’s why they killed the Prince of Peace. Only madmen would attempt to overthrow God.

But our King rose victoriously from the grave and forever lives. They meant it for evil but God meant it for good.

All one needs to do is study the history of the Jews from 70 AD to this present day to see the ultimate fulfillment of De. 28. Hitler was not the only instrument God used to fulfill His will. God’s iron fist has always been against this stiff necked people due to their rejection of Him (God/Christ), of (old/ new). The Persians, Medes, Babylonians, and Assyrians of the old. The Turks, the Muslims, the Papists, and most of Europe till the end of World War II. God does not take “covenant” lightly. There are awful ramifications for violation.

I thank God daily for His mercies and Grace as exhibited in the “Covenant of Grace” toward me.


Lets revert back to: Ge. 12:1-3 “1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you (Abraham) into a great nation, and I will bless you (Abraham); I will make your name (Abraham) great, and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you,(Abraham) and whoever curses you (Abraham) I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Abraham)”.

As I stated earlier, two main identifiers were given to Abraham and his true seed. One, being faith alone for righteousness. Two, circumcision.

Let’s look at Jn. 1:9-13 “9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John introduces some unique concepts here in this passage.

1. By faith, we become children of God. Mind you, that John’s audience is primarily blood Israel.

2. He excludes any idea that natural blood (ethnic Israel) decent makes you a child of God.

3. Human will/decision have absolutely no part either.

4. It’s all of God

Mt 3:7-10 “7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

A few points need to be considered here.

1. John the baptist under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, already new what he was up against. John was aware of Israel’s complete apostasy and called their religious leaders a “brood of vipers” Snakes.

2. Also he said “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath.” That’s an odd statement from a person of Ethnic Israel, IF ALL ethnic ISRAEL were to be included in God’s redemptive plan. But it is not odd if only an elect few of blood Israel were in view.

3. He also said I’ll paraphrase “Don’t even consider for a moment you can claim Abraham as your father. Out of these dead stones God can raise up better children than you”

4. The axe IS already at the root of the tree. Christ cursed the fig tree at the root.!
I have already written about this in another thread.

John 8:39-40 “39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.

Jesus flat out denies these wicked one cans claim the heritage of Abraham.

John 8:44“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Jesus called these wicked ones, the devils children .And they still are as of this day.

The promises of God for true Israel, must be rooted in Abraham and his seed.

Point 1. Circumcision.

Ge.17“1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

3 Abram fell face down, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” 9 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” 15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

17 Abraham fell face down; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”

19 Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” 22 When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.

23 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, 25 and his son Ishmael was thirteen; 26 Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day. 27 And every male in Abraham’s household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.

Let’s list some points here from the above text.

1. Abraham was to be a father of many nations.
2. Everlasting covenant.
3. Universal in scope
4. Circumcision was to be in the flesh and a sign of the covenant. Ishmael included.
5. This sign was to be applied to Abraham, his descendants, and foreigners not of his flesh.
6. Sarah to be mother of nations through Isaac (son of the promise).
7. Isaac was to further this everlasting covenant through him.
8. Ishmael to be blessed.

The key to understanding this passage lies with two precepts. Faith (vs.1) and promise (vs.16).

The reason it must be by faith and promise is that Sarai’s womb was dead. But we all know the story. “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness”

What’s fascinating, is that if this covenant was strictly a promise of a fleshly nature, and not a matter of heart, then Ishmael, and Esau, are to receive all the blessings of an everlasting covenant. For they and their offspring were also circumcised in the flesh. Although God promised Ishmael an earthly blessing, he later in his life received it. So when it comes to a matter of (fleshly foreskin circumcision). This physical dimension only becomes a sign that points to the real circumcision as a matter of heart.

De.10:16“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer."

De. 30:6“The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live."

Je. 4:4 “Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done-- burn with no one to quench it."

Je. 9:25 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh."

So we can see, one, that it’s a heart matter, and two, God will punish all who only have a "fleshly cutting” and not that of the heart.

Now let’s move on to the Apostolic “kerygma”

Ac.15:1 “1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Can you see the problem? Read Je.9:25 again.

Ac. 15:5 “ Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

Same problem

Now let’s look at Paul’s treatment of circumcision in Romans.2:17-28

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. "

This one passage of scripture says it all. If a blood ethnic Jew does not keep every single law in the written code perfectly and that from the heart, his fleshly “cut” is useless. On the other hand, if a Gentile (goyim) who is not “cut” of the flesh and by faith alone believes in the Messiah of Israel, then he is considered as circumcised in the heart. Paul says he is a true Jew

Ro. 3:30“since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised (fleshly Jew) by faith and the uncircumcised (Goyim) through that same faith."

Justification is by faith alone. Then and only then is a person considered a true Jew.

Ro. 4:12 “And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised."

Abraham was Justified by faith alone before he was circumcised in the flesh.

Ga. 5:2-3 “2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,(flesh cut) Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised (flesh cut) that he is obligated to obey the whole law."

The bastard children Judaizers, were relentless in their attack against the Gospel of Grace. These bastard’s wanted to stumble these Galatian believers. But our brother Paul would have none of this.

Ga. 6:12-13“12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(fleshly cut) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised (fleshly cut) keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.”

Co. 2:11 “In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands (fleshly cut) of men but with the circumcision (of the heart) done by Christ,”

Ga. 3:16 “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.”

This rules out any notion of physical circumcision. It’s not to many seeds, but Christ’s seed.

Ga. 3:29“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

So concluding this one point of identification (circumcision), in our next study we will look at point two, Justification

After point two, Justification, I'll move to Romans 9 and 11. And discuss more on Election.

Pre-suppositions must always be set in concrete first.

I can proudly say "I'm a true Jew from the seed of Abraham, and follower of Jesus Christ the Jewish Messiah" by grace and faith alone. Thank you Lord for your mercies.


to be cont.

[Brandan Kraft]

Thanks Nick for churning this good stuff out. It'll make a nice addition to our article library. From one Jew to another! - B.

[Saint Nicholas]

The second point under consideration is Justification through faith alone. Like circumcision, this identifies the essence of a true Jew/Israelite. Through Abraham and his seed (Christ) only.

De. 25:1 “If there is a dispute between men and they go to court, and the judges decide their case, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked,”

This is true, and was fulfilled through the imputation of Christ’s Righteousness.

Is.45:25 “ In the LORD (Christ) all the offspring of Israel Will be justified and will glory.

The hopes of the true Israelite s from old, lie in their eager expectations of the coming Messiah.

But only in the Lord/Christ could they be Justified. Outside of Christ. They would be under the curse of the law covenant De.28

Is. 53:11 “As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied ; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities.

The prophet Isaiah predicted and was very specific of Christ’s role as the One who would take away their sins.

Jn.1:29 “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world "

The true Jews understood Christ was the Messiah of Israel. For they believed on Him. The imposter Jews, rejected Him.

Ac. 3:24-26 24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Ro.3:21-26 “21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus”.

Ro. 4:5 “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,”

Ro. 8:33 “Who will bring a charge against God's elect ? God is the one who justifies”

Ro. 4:1-3 “ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found ? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say ? ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Also ref: Ga. 3:6-9; Ga.3; He. 2:16; 6:13; He.7:1; 11:8;

A brief summary.

1. Our true Christian faith comes directly from the Old Testament Scriptures, fulfilled in Christ.
2. We posses the same God revealed in the Old. Jesus
3. Christ is a King
4. Christ has a kingdom
5. He is our High Priest.
6. He is our Sacrifice
7. Abraham and his seed (Christ) represent true Israel.
8. We possess by regeneration and faith alone the true Circumcision.
9. We are Justified by Christ, through faith alone.
10. We believers in Christ are the TRUE AND REAL JEWS.
11. Blood ethnic Jews are not true Jews by virtue of their treason and murder of Christ, and the elect prophets of old.
12. Christ rejecting false Jews remain under the curse of the law covenant. Christ cursed them personally, and called them the devil’s children.
13. All of God’s promises, prophesies, and purposes written of old relating to redemption and restoration of the earth, are for Christ’s true Israel people.
14. God relates to man only through a covenant arrangement.
15. The redemptive purposes of God, were from the beginning, universal in nature. With Gentiles in view.
16. The promise given to Abraham and Sarah was to be established through “Isaac”. Son of the Promise.
17. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, He magnifies and reveals Christ as the fulfillment of the old scriptures. Jesus Christ is the ultimate son of the promise.
18. The “old” scriptures show God’s purposes for redemption rooted in historical themes and events.

Amillennialists have been slandered and labeled as “allegorists”. This simply is not true.

Higher critics and liberals do not believe in a literal creation, a literal Adam and Eve, A literal flood, literal miracles, and so forth. They hold that the old testament is just a bunch of imaginary stories (allegories) that convey mans need for a god/ religion to alleviate and satisfy an inner guilty conscience.

Amillennialists on the other hand believe the old scriptures to be real and actual history, that point to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment. God shows and teaches His redemptive purposes through the “old” by utilizing historical types and shadows of Christ and His true elect seed. But none the less it is still conveyed through historical events with historical people. And a real objective God

I’m not a big proponent of making scriptural arguments from silence. However, if there ever was an area of scripture that validates an argument from silence, Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11 would be it.

These three chapters deal primarily with national ethnic Israel’s status and their future. If Paul was going to teach the garbage and filth, that Chiliasts ( full futurists) and some others (full preterists) are teaching today concerning “blood national Israel”, Paul is dead silent. In fact it’s deafening.

Paul further develops the doctrine of Election as pertaining to Israel, that he expounded in Ro. 8
Understanding election is crucial in understanding Paul here.

Paul develops his theology in Ro. 9,10, and 11 right from Holy Spirit revelation of the “old” scriptures fulfilled.

Ro. 9
Gen. 21:12, Ge. 18:10,14, Ge. 25:23, Mal. 1:2,3, Ex. 33:19,Ex. 9:16, Is. 29:16; 45:9, Ho. 2:23, Ho. 1:10, Is. 10:22,23, Is. 1:9, Is. 8:14; 28:16,

Ro.10
Le. 18:5, De. 30:12, De. 30:13, De. 30:14, Is. 28:16, Jl. 2:32, Is. 52:7, Is. 53:1, Ps. 19:4, De. 32:21, Is. 65:1, Is. 65:2.

Ro. 11
1 K. 19:10,14, 1 K. 19:18, De.. 29:4; Is. 29:10, Ps. 69:22,23, Is. 59:20,21; 27:9; Je. 31:33,34, Is. 40:13, Jb. 41:11.


Let’s go right to the texts. My comments and insertions will be in blue letters.

Romans 9

1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,(Ethnic and national Israel) 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised Amen.

Paul does not dismiss the importance of National Israel. But magnifies the important role they played in bringing the promise of the Messiah to fruition and fulfillment 1. By genealogy. 2.By Mosaic administration.

6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all (blood and ethnic only) who are descended from Israel are (true) Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants (blood) are they all Abraham’s (true) children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the natural children (blood) who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.(faith alone and true circumcision of the heart) 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children had one and the same father, our father Isaac.(son of promise by faith alone) 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls —she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy ,and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

16 It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort,(nor of the will of man Jn.1:13) but on God’s mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

God raises up, and uses evil for his own purposes.

18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy,(Elect) and he hardens whom he wants to harden.(reprobate)

God hardened and raised up national Israel so they (reprobate Israel) could reject and kill Christ. It was all purposed by God from eternity. Israel is primarily in view in this context. Although all of reprobate humanity share in this reprobation.

19 One of you (blood Jew believers and non-believers, were intermingled with Gentile believers in Rome at that time) will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?”(No excuse ) 20 But who are you, O man, (blood Jew) to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed (reprobate blood Jew) say to him (God) who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter (God) have the right to make out of the same lump of clay (Jew and Gentile) some pottery for noble purposes (election) and some for common use? (Reprobation)


Just as elect blood Jews and Gentiles identify with Abraham and Christ and are considered true Jews/Israelites, and share the glories of the Messiah Jesus. The reprobate blood Jew and Gentile alike share, and are both under curse of the law.


22 What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath (Reprobate Israel primarily in context, but in principle applies to reprobate Gentiles also) prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory (Christ) known to the objects of his mercy,(elect Jew and Gentile) whom he prepared in advance ( from eternity) for glory (elect Jew and Gentile) 24 even us,(elect) whom he also called, not only from the ( elect blood ) Jews but also from the (elect) Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”

26 and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.28 For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.”

Paul uses Isaiah’s statement concerning the historical event, when Abraham (Ge. 18) pleaded with God not to destroy Sodom. Abraham said ““Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” God said he would not destroy the city if a righteous person can be found.

Eventually after the numbers were whittled down, God said he would not destroy the city if ten righteous were found in it. Once Abraham and Lot, with their families departed from Sodom, God destroyed that wicked city.

Paul uses this event to parallel God’s endurance and patience with reprobate Israel. These stiff necked reprobate people always insulted God with their wickedness. But God spared them for the sake of the Elect/Righteousness that dwelled among reprobate national Israel/Sodom. When Christ arrived. He assumed all that identified with true and Elect Israel. For Christ is the embodiment of all Righteousness. When Christ was brought outside the city of Jerusalem to be destroyed on the tree. It was in type, Christ leaving reprobate Sodom/Israel.

In His victory of the cross and resurrection from the dead. The true Temple, City, King, Kingdom, has been inaugurated in Christ alone. Those found in Christ were the true Israel.

National Israel’s role in the redemptive purposes of God was completed. Their doom, like that of Sodom was soon to come. Jesus warned them to flee the city, so He in His purposes can destroy Jerusalem/Sodom.

Henceforth the universal nature of God’s Kingdom and people (as taught in the “old”) can come to fulfillment worldwide.

Why else would Paul introduce the destruction of Sodom? Paul used Sodom as an example for the destruction of reprobate Jerusalem/Israel.


30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but (blood)Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith (Abraham’s faith alone) but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.” 33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 10

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the (blood) Israelites is that they may be saved.(through Christ alone) 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.(of the old scriptures) 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God (through the old scriptures Abraham/Christ) and sought to establish their own,(heretical teachings of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes.) they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(Elect Jew and Gentile)

5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith (Abraham) says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart (circumcision) that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all (blood Jew and Gentile) who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news ”

16 But not all the (blood) Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

It’s not that the blood Jew’s did not hear God’s message as stated in the “old “ scriptures, and especially when Christ was present amongst them. They heard it alright, but not with spiritual ears. Christ repeatedly said ““he who has ears to hear, let him hear” Christ was referring to Spiritual ears. Paul explains this further in Ro. 11:7 as to why they could not hear.


19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;(gentiles) I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”

20 And Isaiah boldly says “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me. 21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

The reason why God still held out His hand to these people was for the sake of the Elect in Israel only.

Romans 11

1 I ask then: Did God reject his (blood ) people? By no means I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his (blood Jew) people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand (elect blood true Jews ) who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant (elect true blood Jews) chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; (curse of the law) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Whom He foreknew

Because most Chiliasts have been blinded to the understanding of Election and Predestination, they miss what foreknowledge means in this context.

Foreknowledge in this context is eternal. An eternal Christ and people God knew who were CHOSEN /ELECTED IN CHRIST.

Ro. 8:29-30 “For whom he did foreknow , he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate , them he also called : and whom he called , them he also justified : and whom he justified , them he also glorified “

Ep. 1:4 “just as He (Christ) chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love”


Mt. 12:18, BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN ; MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

Lu. 9:35 “Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him ”

Ac. 10:41 “not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.” Co. 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience ;”

2 Th. 2:13 “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

1 Pe. 2:9 “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ;”

Ep. 1:4 “just as He (Christ) chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love”

How in the world, can a Christ rejecting reprobate national Israel, ever be considered a holy nation? And still claim to be God’s chosen people?

That’s blasphemous !

7 What then? What (blood)Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect (Israelite) did. The others (reprobate) were hardened, 8 as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes so that they could not see
and ears so that they could not hear,
to this very day.”

9 And David says:

“May their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.”

Just like Pharaoh was hardened by God to fulfill God’s purposes, So was reprobate Israel.

11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring"

Paul firmly establishes the role of National Israel. Their transgression didn’t destroy Israel in the sense that all it’‘s types were irrelevant. They (types) have all been reinstated in terms of Christ’s fulfillment. True Israel is alive and well. Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their reprobation was purposed by God for the betterment of the elect Gentiles. To open a door to the Gentile world. Their loss was our gain. But the greater riches come from their fullness when elect Jews in Christ come to salvation.

13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. 15 For if their (blood Jew) rejection is the reconciliation of the (elect Gentile) world, what will their acceptance (of Christ) be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Jesus is the true bread dough. Jesus is the holy first fruits, Jesus is the holy vine, the elect in Christ are the holy branches. Jesus is the true life giving Jacob’s well Israel.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off,(Christ rejecting Jews) and you, though a wild olive shoot,(believing Gentiles) have been grafted in among the others (believing blood Jews) and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, (Jesus Christ) 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, (Jesus true Israel) but the root (Jesus) supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” (Paul is warning them not to be arrogant) 20 Granted. But they (Christ rejecting Jews) were broken off (from True Israel Christ) because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches,(blood Jews) he will not spare you (Gentiles) either". (if their faith is proven to be false, just like the blood Jews who rejected Christ.Paul’s warning here is similar to the parable of the “Sower” also in Jn.15:1-8 Jesus the True Vine.

Mk. 4:13-20 “13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word andat once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Verse 20 are the true Jews only. That is what I believe Paul is referring to when he mentions The root supports you. The rest are imposters.

Jn. 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Jesus is the vine of true Israel

22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell,(blood Christ rejecting Jew) but kindness to you,(Christ professing Gentile) provided that you continue in his kindness.(We already know that if a person falls away from Christ. They were never saved to begin with. They were only imposters) Otherwise, you also will be cut off.(imposters) 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, (blood Jews who finally are regenerated unto faith) they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.(to Christ true Vine/Israel) 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree

Paul continues to emphasize that there is a remnant of blood Jews according to election that will be grafted into Christ. 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel (National) has experienced a hardening in part(elect blood Jews are not in view.) until the full number of the (elect)Gentiles has come in. 26 And so (in this manner) all (elect Blood and Gentile true Jew) Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they (Christ rejecting blood Jews) are enemies on your account; but as far as election (Elect blood Jews to ultimately be saved) is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.(by grace alone) 30 Just as you (gentile) who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy (through Christ) as a result of their (Christ rejecting blood Jew) disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they (elect blood Jew) too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound all men (blood Jew and Gentile) over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.(both elect blood Jew and Gentile)33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever Amen.


To be continued..

[Saint Nicholas]

Organic Unity In The Vine/Body Of Christ/True Israel


Ep. 4:1-4 “1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Paul reinforces many concepts throughout his Epistles. This one concept of unity in the Body of Christ, is corollary to the same concept of Ro.11.and also Jn. 15:1-8. Paul makes painstakingly efforts to break down this ethnic distinction between blood ethnic Jew and blood ethnic Gentile. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the elect two are now become one. This was always the intended goal from the very beginning of creation. That the Elect from all ages find their true identity in Jesus Christ alone. One Body, One Holy Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all, in all.

Paul is not a Chiliast,who believes in two separate paths or plans for the salvation of ethnic Jews and ethnic Gentiles. The scriptures everywhere from start to finish support this organic unity in Christ.

Ref. Ge.12:3, 22:18, Ps.22:27-28, Is.49:6, Is. 60:1-3, Is.45:22, Mal. 1:11.

Ep. 2:19-22 “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Referring to Gentile believers in this context, Paul utilized a societal term “citizens” to demonstrate that elect Gentiles occupy the same household with the elect blood Jew, in Christ. Built on the foundation of the Apostolic witness (Christ) along with Prophetic witness to (Christ) from the old.

Also in this passage Paul alludes to three important concepts/premises. He purposely ties these premises together, to demonstrate a complete organic unity in the body of Christ.

1. Chief Cornerstone
2. Holy Temple
3. Holy Spirit.

Cornerstone

Is. 28:16 “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.”

Zec.10:1-4 “1 Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. 2 The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. 3 “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle. 4 From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg,”

The prophets of Israel were God's mouthpiece to indict national Israel for their treason and wretched wickedness. Their shepherds/teachers were corrupt and taught pagan falsehoods. They led the people astray.

But there was hope for God's elect Jews whom he foreknew. Out of Judah will come a cornerstone, an anchor and true tent peg for their soul. That cornerstone being Jesus Christ.

Mt. 21:42, 44 “Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.

Ref. Ac. 4:11, Ro. 9:32, 1 Pe. 2:4, 2:6, 2:8

The wicked Jews rejected Christ the chief cornerstone. But the stone was stilled laid, despite their treason. Wicked Israel could not thwart and postpone the purposes of God.

JESUS IS THE TRUE AND LIVELY CORNERSTONE AND WAS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED/INAUGURATED THEN, NOW AND FOREVER

Holy Temple

1 K 5:5 “I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said, 'Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.”

Is. 2:2 “In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.”

Mi. 4:1 “In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.”

Hab. 2:20 “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.
Zec. 6:12-13 “Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.”


The men of old spoke of this glorious temple that was to be built. A light and beacon for all peoples of the earth. The temple in ethnic Israel was polluted with idols and wickedness.

Jesus Himself showed this when He entered the temple and overthrew the money changers. Mt. 21:12

Mt.12:6 “I tell you that one greater than the (physical) temple is here. “

Jn.2:19-21 “19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body."

The wicked Jew's of Jesus day thought like the chiliasts of our day. Because they were blinded to Spiritual realities, they could not see the Kingdom of God/Heaven. They were dead and carnal, and could not think past their nose.

1 Co. 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Also Ref. 1 Co.6:19, 2 Co.6:16, Ep.2:21,

JESUS THEN, NOW, AND FOREVER IS THE TRUE TEMPLE. WE IN HIM BOTH JEW AND GENTILE ARE LIVELY STONES

Holy Spirit

In the old as in the new God indwelt the temple by His Spirit. The Temple was the place to meet God through a mediator. The Levitical priesthood served as a temporary function for the purpose of sacrifice and worship. But they were not perfect in their role, because they needed to sacrifice for their own sins also. They were only a “schoolmaster” a “sign” and a “type” of the One who was to come and fulfill all righteousness.

Christ now indwells His people through His own body/temple by the Holy Spirit/Helper.

1 Co. 3:16-17 “ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."

2 Co. 6:16 “16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”


So as earlier stated in Ep. 2:19-22, Paul links these three old testament concepts, into one glorious fulfillment in Christ. Thus uniting in “one”Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile. In Paul's theology, there is not even a hint at separation, or two distinct plans for two distinct people's.

Jn. 4:19-26 “19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

We can learn a lot from this historical incident, when Christ met this Samaritan woman at the well, who by the way, the wicked Jews considered “dogs”.

The woman stated that our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but the Jews claimed that worship was to be in the Jerusalem temple. The woman was confused. But Jesus the true and ultimate prophet/mouthpiece of God said the time was “now” (not in a future 1,000 year re-building of a temple) that a true worshiper of God would neither worship in “this mountain” nor in “Jerusalem” This statement was made BEFORE the wicked Jews ultimately rejected Him.

The Chiliasts claim that only after the rejection of Christ, a plan B, for the Gentiles came into effect.

Jesus was stating that true worshipers of God, worship in Spirit and Truth And not in any geographical location. This is ultimate reality, now and forever. Then to reinforce this truth, Christ said He is the Messiah ! The true teacher.

Even today, due to the great apostasy that started during the lives of the Apostle's, so-called Christians of today, think, speak, and act, just like the Jews, and Samaritans, of old.

They say “lets go to church to worship God”

Due to the blatant heresies taught in most churches today, can they really say it's worship?

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
Where there is no truth, there is no worship.

Ga.3:28 “28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ep. 2:11-14 “11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 4 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,”

Paul emphatically states that these two groups Jew and Gentile are ONE IN CHRIST. Christ DESTROYED the wall and barrier. Any reinstatement of this WALL/BARRIER in some future age is not even hinted at. To Paul, destroy meant to destroy forever. Just like sin and death has been destroyed forever in Christ. Just like the geographical city of Jerusalem was in 70 AD destroyed forever.

The real and true “ekklesia” of God are one people forever united in Christ.


He. 12:22 “22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,”

This is the real and true Mount Zion, City of the living God. The Heavenly Jerusalem.

Not in some Christ cursed land on earth anymore. Where Talmudic Jews bang their stupid Christ rejecting heads, on some stupid brick wall. There is nothing holy in that land anymore.

When Christ places a curse on something or someone, look out He is God almighty

Rev. 21:2 “2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. “

Christ the Husband – The Ekklesia the bride

Ep. 5:25-27 “25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the “ekklesia” and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant “ekklesia”, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

Jn 3:29 “He who has the bride is the bridegroom ; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.”

As Jesus our Lord said “he who has ears to hear, let him hear”


To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

HISTORICAL THEMES, TYPES, AND PATTERNS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT.

There is not one historical event recorded in the Old Testament that does not convey a purpose and meaning. The mighty acts of God portrayed throughout history from the very beginning are stamped with certain features and characteristics which reveal they are the work of a single author, that being God.

These themes are sometimes reoccurring (recapitulating). As history unfolds, God adds new dimensions and added themes/concepts to define His redemptive purposes toward an “elect” people. However, these themes and patterns are not strictly limited to the Redemption of the “elect”, but also toward Reprobation. A reprobate people created to be antithetical to God, His people, and all righteousness. Jesus Christ IS the embodiment and totality of all light, truth, and righteousness.

Understanding these themes, types, and patterns, will give us great and helpful insight for our understanding the “millennial” reign and Kingdom of God/Christ, the destruction of this temporal age, and the bursting forth of the glorious Heaven and Earth.

Let's take a brief look into these main historical themes/patterns. In upcoming essays, we can further define these themes in terms of fulfillment and relation to Christ and His elect people, as in contrast to Anti-Christ and his reprobate people. Just as Christ and the Apostles, spoke in terms of fulfillment from these themes, prophesies, and types, so do we, His people.

Creation Features

Creation of darkness. Ge. 1:2, Je. 4:23
Waters cover the earth. Ge. 1:2
The Holy Spirit overshadowed the earth. Ge.1:2
Creation of light. Ge. 1:3
Light and Darkness divided Ge. 1:5
The waters are divided. Ge. 1:6
Dry land appears. Ge. 1:10
Animals appear (including creeping things (serpent). Ge. 1:24-25
Adam made in God's image. Ge. 1:27
Adam given dominion over creatures and earth. Ge. 1:28-29.
Be fruitful and multiply. Ge.1:28
Tree of Life. Ge. 2:9
Commandment/Law/Covenant Ge. 2:16-17
Eve formed from Adam's side rib. Ge. 2:21-24
Nakedness. Ge. 2:25
Rebellion. Ge. 3:6
Guilt. Ge. 3:7
Curses. Ge.3:14-19
Promise and distinction of two seeds Ge. 3:15
Grace. Ge. 3:21
Sacrifice (blood) Ge. 4:4
Evil against Good Ge. 4:8

The above features recorded in the creation account were not primarily written for the sake of geographical or biological information, but rather for theological purposes. They demonstrate through theological redemptive concepts, God's relation to Adam and consequently his elect offspring. Also, these features demonstrate God's wrathful and judgmental purposes toward the reprobate seed more fully seen through the flood event.

Flood Features

God's patience and endurance with the reprobate. Ge.6:3
Great wickedness of the reprobate. Ge. 6:5
Promise to destroy the reprobate. Ge. 6:7
Redemption by Grace. basis/ground for the elect Ge. 6:8
The “Ark”, means of Salvation. Ge. 6:14-17
Re-establishment promise of the covenant. Ge. 6:18
Renewal of the earth Ge.6:19-21
Perfect obedience insures salvation of the elect and the earth. Ge. 6:22
Reprobate world in chaos. Gen 7:11
Waters cover the earth. Ge. 7:19-23
Wind blows on the waters. Ge. 8:1
Dry land appears. Ge. 8:13-14
Sacrifice, Altar (blood) and promise. Ge. 8:20-22
Noah given dominion over creatures and earth. Ge. 9:1-2
Be fruitful and multiply. Ge. 9:7
Re-establishment of the covenant. Ge. 9:8-10
Sign established Ge. 9:13
Rise of evil. Babel. Ge. 11:1-9


There are some essential features of the creation account, repeated in the flood account. Through these reoccurring themes, we can start to develop clear patterns of God's dealings with both Elect and Reprobate mankind.

Abrahamic Features

Promise of a land. Ge. 12:1
Altar Built. Ge. 12:7
Abram goes to Egypt. Ge. 12:10
Pharaoh struck with plagues. Ge. 12:17
Abram leaves Egypt. Ge: 13:1
Abram settles in land of Canaan. Lot separates from him into SODOM. Ge.13:12
Justification through faith alone. Ge. 15:6
Abram's name changed to Abraham. Father of many nations promise. Ge. 17:5
Everlasting covenant, Circumcision a sign, Land of Canaan, everlasting possession, Ge.17:1-14
Promise of Isaac, Everlasting covenant to be established through Isaac, Ge.17:19
Outcry against SODOM. Ge.18:20-21
Angels arrive at SODOM. Ge. 19:1
Angels strike the reprobate with blindness Ge.19:11
Abraham, Lot, with families, depart from SODOM. Ge.19:12:21
SODOM destroyed. Ge. 19:27:29
Isaac born Ge.21:1
God tests Abraham's faith. Ge. 22:1-7
Promise of Redeemer Christ. Ge.22:8

As the history of man further unfolds, God introduces more characters, along with adding new concepts/themes. Through a more distinct line of people, the Messiah must come. Abraham being a very important path. New theological concepts have been added to enhance the drama of redemption. We can also see themes that recapitulate. “Alter” “Sign” “Rise of Evil” “Covenant” etc.

Jacob, Moses, and Israel Features.

The birthing of the Hebrew nation event continues in recapitulating the redemptive themes and types listed previously. However, the “dark” reprobate side recapitulates also to maintain the constant tension between “Elect” and “Reprobate” “Light” and “Darkness” “Good and Evil”.


Jacob born. Ge. 25:26
Jacob receives birthright from Esau. Ge. 25:33
Jacob receives the blessing of the firstborn from Isaac. 27:27-29
Jacob's name changed to Israel. Ge. 32:28, 35:10
Jacob see's God face to face. Ge. 32:30
Jacob lives in Canaan. Ge. 37:1
Joseph sold and brought to Egypt. Ge. 37:28
Jacob/Israel goes to Egypt. Ge. 46:6
Joseph states God's promise to bring them back to Canaan. Ge. 50:24, also ref. Ex. 6:8
Israel under the bondage of Egypt. Ex. 1:6-14
Moses the deliverer hid from the wrath of the king. Ex. 1:22, 2:6
Israel is called God's firstborn. Ex. 4:22-23
Moses pleads with Pharaoh to let his people go. Ex. 5:1-2
God promises Moses deliverance. Ex. 6:1-8
The Plagues. Pharaoh hardened. Ex. 7,8,9,10,11
Plague on firstborn announced. Ex. 11:4-8
Passover (blood) instituted for the salvation of Israel. Ex.12
Waters of the Red Sea divided. Dry land appears. Ex. 14:21-22, ref. Is. 51:9-11, 63:11-14.

To this point, we can already see some main themes reoccur from previous history. Look back on previous features to see the similarity. God also adds new themes that are peculiar to this Nation of Israel.

God to this point, has been taking redemptive history to a predetermined goal. That goal being Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christ Event.

Israel is brought to the wilderness and tested for forty years. De. 8:2-3

2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Manna. Ex.16:4
Water from the Rock. Ex.17:1-7
Moses meets God at Mt. Sinai. Ex.19, 20
The Law Covenant more fully explained and developed. Ex. 20, 21, 22.
Sabbath and Festivals. Ex.23.
Covenant and blood sacrifice. Ex. 24
Offerings, The Ark, Table, Lampstand Ex. 25
Tabernacle. Ex.26
Altar, Courtyard, Oil for Lampstand, Ex. 26
Priestly Garments, Ephod, Breastpiece. Ex. 27
Consecration of Priests. Ex. 28
Incense Altar, Atonement Money, Washing Basin, Anointing Oil, Incense. Ex. 29
Sabbath. Ex. 31
Reprobates rebel, Golden Calf. Ex. 32
Moses revisits God on Sinai. Ex. 34
Sabbath regulations, Materials for tabernacle. Ex. 35
Construction of Tabernacle. Ex.36
Ark, Table, Lampstand, Alter of Incense. Ex 37
Altar, Basins, Courtyard. Materials. Ex. 38
Garments, Ephod, Breastpiece, Moses inspects Tabernacle Ex. 39
Temple set up, God indwells the tabernacle. Ex. 40
Curses for disobedience. De. 28

The book of Leviticus, further develops these Sacrificial, Ceremonial, and Moral laws. The Levitical Priesthood is given specific functions. Tithing was instituted strictly for the support of the Levitical Priesthood.

Brief Summary

Israel was told to possess the land and subdue it, which is reminiscent of Adam and Noah

God enters into a covenant with Israel. Which is reminiscent of Adam, Noah, Abraham, and
Isaac.

The Manna in the desert is reminiscent of the Tree of Life in Eden.

The Serpent that bit the people of Israel, is reminiscent of the Serpent in the Garden.

Israel's testing in the wilderness is reminiscent, of Adams testing in the Garden.

Israel's bondage and captivity in Egypt, is reminiscent of Adam's captivity in the Garden, and
Abraham's troubles in Egypt.

Israel's rescue through the Red Sea, is reminiscent of Noah's rescue from the flood.

God, through the nation of Israel, further introduces redemptive themes. These reoccurring patterns come to full “Light” in the Christ event.

The main themes portray captivity and restoration. When Israel finally entered the Promised Land under Joshua, these patterns continue to develop with added dimensions.

The “Ark” and the “Priests” to lead the way into Canaan. Jos. 3:1-3
Circumcision and Passover celebration. Jos.5:2-12
Wicked Kings defeated. Jos.12
Division of land for the tribes of Israel. Jos. 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21
Israel battles remaining Canaanites. Jud. 1
Judges over Israel established. Jud. 3:9
King Saul confirmed as King. 1 S 11:14-15
David anointed as King. 2 S. 2:2-4
David conquers Jerusalem. 2 S. 5:6-7
“ARK” brought to Jerusalem. 2 S. 6:1-5
David appoints Solomon King 1 K. 1:29
Building of the Temple. 1 K. 6
Ark brought to the Temple. 1 K. 8:1-20
Israel's Kingdom divided. 1 K. 11
Due to Israel's wickedness, they fell to the King of Babylon. The temple destroyed. Carried away into captivity. 2 K. 25:1-21

Brief Summary

Due to Israel's wickedness, mainly from the northern Kings of Israel, the curses of De. 28, were upon them. Their pride, arrogance, and fellowship with the pagan nations subdued them. They practiced the ways of the heathens, and worshiped false gods. Murder, lust, envy, greed, homosexuality, and all manner of wickedness were found in her bosom. God punished them and removed His protective hand from them.

For the sake of the “elect” only, God endured with these wicked reprobate people, until the “DAWN” of a new era was to arrive. Jesus Christ, the true King David and redeemer of Israel, was the hope that the elect Prophets and people were longing for to end their bondage.

Again, there will be another deliverance from Babylon, which again is reminiscent of the bondage in Egypt.

The Prophets predict these and many coming deliverance's. Eze. 20:33-37, Ho. 2:14-15, cf. Is 4:5; 10:24-27; 11:11, 12, 16; 40:3-5; 41:17,18; 42:16; 43:16-19; 44:27; 48:20-21; 51:9-11. Je. 51:36, Eze. 16; Mi.7:15-17.

In Is. 40 the prophet of God not only speaks in terms of deliverance, but also speaks in terms of restoration of the earth. Is. 66. These can only be seen and understood as though they are referring to Christ, and not limited to just ethnic Israel, for they are broader in scope.

The prophets, in their writings, use language that recapitulates past events and themes to show redemption and renewal. God restoring His creation and providing deliverance for His “elect” people.

All these patterns, themes, and types, point to an ultimate and final deliverer.

The dry and dead bones of the Nation of Israel will again find restoration and deliverance. But this deliverance and restoration will take on a Glorious feature. Christ the Son of God Himself will be the deliverer of “elect” Israel. Re. Eze. 37


To be cont.

[Robert R. Higby]

These studies are beyond great, Bro. Nick, they are the best there is!

I personally view the dispersion of physical Israel due to their sin as preparation for their future salvation of when the gospel would go forth to the ends of the Earth. This is part and parcel of what Paul refers to in Rom. 9. It is critical, however, to understand that this salvation of the remnant of physical Israel is ALREADY REALIZED since the first century and not a future hope that is unfulfilled. This is where the Chiliasts have completely abandoned scripture.

Bro. Bob

[Saint Nicholas]

Jesus Christ, the Goal, Purpose, and Fulfillment of “Old” History.

The redemptive themes in “Old” history finally reach their zenith when Jesus Christ enters the history of mankind. In the greater “light”of His death, resurrection, and Holy Spirit, the veil has now been removed.

The great and epochal historical types/themes have reached their fulfillment in the “One” who was promised from old.

As I've stated previously,typology is not allegory. These historical events were real events.

We are safe and sure from Jesus Christ and the Apostolic “kerygma” that what was spoken, has now been revealed to His Body.

The Apostolic witness to Christ the promised Messiah of True Israel, was born and chiseled out from the old scriptures.

The “Diamond” in the rough of the “old”, now shines brightly.


Christ the Meaning and Recaptitulation of Creation.

Is. 65:17 17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”


Jesus Christ is the central figure, author, and creator of the New World to come, and of this present world.

John opens his letter showing Christ, as the God of All creation.

Jn. 1:1-5 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The sames “Word” which spoke the world into existence, has become incarnate in Christ.

Lu. 1:35 “35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

As the Holy Spirit hovered over the waters in the creation account, the same Holy Spirit hovered over Mary, to bring forth true and sinless elect humanity.

Ep. 4:24 “24 and to put on the new man, which, according to God, was created in righteousness and kindness of the truth.”
We the “elect” of God in Christ, have a “new man” created in righteousness.

Col. 3:10 “10 and having put on the new, which is renewed in regard to knowledge, after the image of Him who did create him;”

We NOW, through the new birth/regeneration are restored and created in the image of Christ.

Christ is the true and real “ADAM” Ro. 5:12-19, 1 Co. 15:45

Paul states in Ro. 5:14, that Adam was a “type” “tupos” of Him to come. God predestining the natural ADAM and his elect seed, to be saved by the true and real spiritual ADAM.

As the real ADAM, Christ is the Express Image of God. 2 Co. 4:4, Col. 1:15, He.1:3, cf. Ge. 1:27

Where elect Adam of old was deficient, Christ the True ADAM was perfect. Christ is all that God created elect man to be. A man that God was pleased with. Mt 3:17

Christ the true Adam has a perfect relationship to the Father God. He is the perfect obedient servant. Mk. 10:45, Ac. 10:38, Ph. 2:5-7. and exercises dominion over the created order. He. 2:6-9

Christ the true and real Adam is the man of Daniel 7:13-14, and Mt. 28:18, who exercises dominion and rule.

In the gospel accounts, we see many times, where Christ ruled over the wind and waves of the sea. He ruled over the fish of the sea. He ruled over the “colt”. He ruled over death, disease, and demons. No doubt about it. This Adam, Is the true Adam of creation. Adam of Old was only a type, a shadow, a figure. Adam of old was never created and intended to succeed.

The Adam of old, was created “naked” with sinful impulses, and with need of “clothing” Righteousness. The real and true Adam/Christ, was Righteousness incarnate. This real and true Adam clothes all His elect with His robe of Righteousness.


John Calvin was quite incorrect, when he wrote the following in his Institutes:

__________________________________________________ ____________________
8. Free choice and Adam's responsibility

“Therefore, God has provided the soul of man with intellect, by which he might discern good from evil, just from unjust, and might know what to follow or to shun, reason going before with her lamp; whence philosophers, in reference to her directing power, have called her to hegemonikon . To this he has joined will, to which choice belongs. Man excelled in these noble endowments in his primitive condition, when reason, intelligence, prudence, and judgement, not only sufficed for the government of his earthly life, but also enabled him to rise up to God and eternal happiness. Thereafter choice was added to direct the appetites, and temper all the organic motions; the will being thus perfectly submissive to the authority of reason.

In this upright state, man possessed freedom of will, by which, if he chose, he was able to obtain eternal life. It were here unseasonable to introduce the question concerning the secret predestination of God, because we are not considering what might or might not happen, but what the nature of man truly was. Adam, therefore, might have stood if he chose, since it was only by his own will that he fell; but it was because his will was pliable in either directions and he had not received constancy to persevere, that he so easily fell. Still he had a free choice of good and evil; and not only so, but in the mind and will there was the highest rectitude, and all the organic parts were duly framed to obedience, until man corrupted its good properties, and destroyed himself.”
__________________________________________________ _________________________

There is no such thing as free will. Never was, and never will be. All “will” is subjected to God's will. Mankind is and was “never” free from God. Nor are the elements of the earth and heavens.

It is an awful admission on Calvin's part to think that the Typical Adam had “Free Will Choice”. As compared to the Real and True Adam (Christ) who was subjected in every way to the Fathers will.

Jn. 4:34 “Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.”

Jn. 5:30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge ; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. “

Jn. 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

Typical Adam in no way, was created to obtain eternal life from his own personal “choice”. He was naked to begin with, and never desired the “TREE OF LIFE” in the garden. He and Eve desired the forbidden tree. Thus revealing their true created nature.

This again demonstrates the “plan B” mentality, in that, God's original design for Adam failed due to Adam's phantom free choice. Now God must react to this failure, and come up with a plan B contingency to rescue him.

There is no “plan B”. Man can never frustrate God's original plan and purpose. Not Adam of old, nor the Nation of Israel, due to their rejection of Christ.

Paul parallels the “ekklesia” with Eve. 2 Co. 11:2-3. As Eve came from Adams rib, and the two shall become one flesh, we the elect bride of Christ/Adam, are born from His pierced side on the cross. We are one flesh and spirit united in Him our husband. We are to be devoted to Christ our true “Adam”, just as Eve was to be devoted to her husband.

Jesus recapitulates creation and Adam of old. He accomplishes all that Adam of old could not accomplish, and restores all that Adam of old destroyed.

This real and True Adam is the true “covenant” keeper that brings us Justification and life eternal.

Our True Adam is the “TREE OF LIFE”. Re.2:7, Re. 22:2.

Mk. 16:15 “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

As Adam of old was told to be fruitful and multiply, we the elect, proclaim the Gospel to the nations. God will be fruitful and multiply, by bringing the sheep into the fold of this real EDEN.

Lu. 4:18 “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,”
The curse on Eden of old is now removed. In Christ we are set free.

As Adam of old experience guilt, our guilty conscience has now been cleansed, by the obedience and sacrifice of the real and true ADAM.

He. 9:14 “14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God ”


To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

There is another great feature, in Christ , that was accidentally missed when I pasted the material to the thread. Sorry. I did not copy all the written pages that were to be pasted.


Jesus Christ is the True Light of creation.

Ge. 1: 3-5 “3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning the first day.”


From the very beginning God teaches us, that “Light” and “Darkness” are to be separated.

Here we can get a good grasp on how future generations of God's elect people understood this division of light and darkness from the creation account.


Is. 9:1-2 “1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”


Isaiah the Prophet of God foretold of an era to come when a “great light” would come. Israel was in deep darkness due to their false teachers and wickedness which led them astray.


Mt. 4:12-17 “12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali,14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”


Jesus was the “Light” His Kingdom was to be a Kingdom of Light. His elect people are to be a “light” to the world.

Mt. 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden”

Jn. 1:5 “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”


Reprobate mankind will never see or comprehend light.


Lk. 2:32 “A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." Rf. Ac.13:47

Jesus is the light for the elect Gentiles.

Ac. 26:18 “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Light is referred to the dominion of God. Whereas, darkness is referred to the dominion of Satan.

2 Co. 4:6 “For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Paul use the themes of creation to show Christ is the recapitulation of creation.

2 Co. 6:14 “Do not be bound together with unbelievers ; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness ?”

Paul is not an “ecumenist” nor a “syncretist” Paul equates fellowship in terms of light and darkness. We the elect of God, should have no fellowship with those who deny the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Or believe in sacramental superstition. Or all the other godless false teachings of modern day “so-called” christian expression.

Much much later in this study. These issues will be addressed in the “Millennium” section.

1 Th. 5:5 “for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness.”

Paul again pulls this theme right out of the creation account.

1 Jn. 1:5 “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”

This should teach us something. Since before the creation of all things, there was no “darkness”

Darkness and Evil cannot come into existence on their own. God must create this realm called darkness and evil. The creation account shows darkness to have been created, beforehand. Before light was created.

Re. 21:24 “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”


Re. 22:5 “And there will no longer be any night ; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.”


How glorious.


To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

Christ Prefigured in the Flood Account Feature.


There are some remarkable themes in the flood account that have a direct bearing on Christ, His people, the destruction of the reprobate, and destruction of this present world at Christ's second Advent.


We will take a look at some of the main themes.

Ge. 5:29 “Now he called his name Noah, saying, "This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the LORD has cursed."

Mt. 11:25:30 “ 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The curse placed on the earth, Adam, and Eve, was a curse of hard labor, toil, pain, suffering, and death in this present existence. However, the real pain and anguish of our lives is due to SIN. The Prophets of old spoke of a future and final rest for our soul in the coming of the Messiah.

Is. 14:3 “And it will be in the day when the LORD gives you rest from your pain and turmoil and harsh service in which you have been enslaved.”

Eze. 34:15 “I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.”

Jesus is the fulfillment of this “old” redemptive theme of “rest” for our soul. In Him we have perfect rest. The consequences of sin have been destroyed in Christ. Death was destroyed. We through the new birth are once again resurrected to spiritual life. We are alive in Christ and are in union with the Holy Spirit and the Father. Through Christ's Resurrection, we too, will have a resurrection of this mortal body. Noah only being a type, a shadow, of salvation for the remnant elect.

Ge. 6:3 “3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

For the sake and redemption of the “elect”, then, now, and to His second Advent, God continues to show, through reoccurring events, that the “elect” must be safely on board the Ark before God destroys this current wicked world.

In no way, God's forestalling the destruction of this current world with it's reprobates, can be construed as an act of benevolence or Grace toward them. It is only for the sake of the “elect” that God holds of His impending destruction.

We will see this same concept of forestalling with Abraham, and Lot in SODOM”S destruction, in National Israel's final destruction, and ultimately, the destruction of this current world.

As long as there are an Elect remnant on this earth that still have not come regeneration and faith in Christ, God's patience with the wicked will remain.

All the “wheat” must be gathered into the barn. All the “sheep” must be gathered into the fold.

Each of these episodes in history, show an “elect” people being saved from God's destruction.

In the days of Noah, there were only “eight” that were saved. As compared to the total population of the earth at that time. That is a very very small remnant of mankind. Ref. 1 Pe. 3:20, 2 Pe. 2:5.

In Abraham's day, There was Lot, his wife, and two daughters whom the two angels grabbed by their hands to lead them out. Ge. 19:16.

What's interesting, is that Lot did not want to flea to the mountains as he was directed to do. But rather wanted to flea to a small city in the plains near SODOM and GOMORRAH. A city that God wanted to destroy also. God granted Lot's request and spared that city. The city was ZOAR.
Ge. 19:21-22.

Again in Jerusalem, the center of Israel, as long as there were an elect remnant of ethnic Jews to be saved in Christ. God withheld His destruction until 70 AD. This tells us the Jewish age is over.

All the remnant of Elect Israel, from Jacob to 70 AD, (which was only a small remnant), have been grafted into the true vine Christ. Safe in the ARK.

And now in this Gospel age, as long as there is a remnant of Gentile elect to be saved, the destruction of this world cannot come.

So the same theme remains constant. As long as there are an elect remnant occupying a city, or in the case of Noah, and us, in this current world. God withholds destruction.

This small remnant theme, is constantly reinforced through the scriptures. This poses great difficulties for some Postmillennialists. This will be more fully developed as we move forward in later sections of this study.

He. 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”.

Just like Abraham, who was to follow him. By faith alone, Noah was justified.

Ge. 6:18 “18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark, you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you.”

The “ark” introduced in the flood account points to the “ark” of the Covenant” in Israel.

Ex. 25:10 “They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. “

As the “Ark” in Noah's day was constructed from wood, so too is the “Ark of the Covenant” to be constructed of wood. However, the greater significance and purpose of the “ark” was to show covenant and salvation. Our Lord's death on the wooden tree/cross, sealed the covenant in blood. We will further develop this theme of the “ARK of the Covenant” in the Jacob/Israel feature. section.

This all was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Him being our “Ark of the Covenant” of safety.

We also see in the flood features obedience on Noah's part to build the “Ark” in the face of oppression, corruption, and violence. Ge. 6:22, Ge. 6

But our King and Savior Jesus, the true Noah, far exceeded the “type” and was obedient unto death.

Ph. 2:8 “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”


Christ's obedience was the fulfillment and perfect establishment of the “ark” forever. We who are in Christ, are safely in the true “Ark”


Re. 11:19 “ And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened ; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.”


Christ is the Holy Temple, He is the Ark of the covenant . He sits at the right Hand of God in power and authority. We the “elect” of God are also seated with in heavenly places, by virtue of our union with Him by the Holy Spirit.

Ep. 1:20 “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,”

Ep. 2:6 “ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”

The wind that blew on the waters in Ge. 8:1, is likened to the Holy Spirit who effects our lives.

Jn. 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going ; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."


Jesus our Lord referred to some of the themes of Noah's day.

Mt. 24:37-38 “37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark”

Lk. 17:26-27 "26 And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man :27 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all".

The reprobates of Noah's day continued in the ordinary functions of life. Being blinded by God. The construction of the “Ark” was meaningless to them who lived near Noah. A task so huge in proportion could not of escaped their eyes. They had no care whatsoever of their impending doom. They probably laughed and scoffed at Noah. Their fate was already sealed. They were destroyed.

Likewise in the days of Christ, the reprobate Jews laughed, mocked and ridiculed Jesus. They too were blinded to their impending destruction.

Jesus spoke many parables to them concerning the Kingdom, and how it was to be taken from them. However, the warnings Christ spoke about were understood by His true people. When the elect fled the city of Jerusalem. The city was destroyed.

We will discuss more in depth later, The Olivet Discourse.

The flood of Noah's day was universal, worldwide. It was not limited to just one city. Christ only referenced Noah, to show the attitude of the reprobate. Noah's flood with it's universal scope, cannot be limited to just the destruction of Israel, for it depicts the destruction of the entire world at Christ's second Advent.

The Apostle Peter use the flood account to describe another feature of the flood.

1 Pe. 3: 18-22 “18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also, not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”


Peter opens his Epistle “ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:”


Peter uses another theme/concept from the flood account for a teaching different in purpose than Christ's used from the flood.

Peter uses the water of the flood as a symbol. A symbol of Baptism, not of literal water which removed dirt from the body, but rather the water that symbolizes a clear conscience. A conscience that was resurrected with Jesus Christ.

Tit. 3:5 “5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

2 Pe. 2:1-9 “1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”


Peter here, not only uses the flood account, but also adds in the SODOM account, in relation to reprobate false teachers, prophets, and angels. He ties this in with rescuing the Godly elect, from impending judgment/destruction.

We can continue to see how Christ and the Apostles used these historic redemptive themes to magnify Christ, His Kingdom, His Reign, and His People.


To be cont.

[Saint Nicholas]

Before we get started on our next segment “Christ prefigured in Abrahamic Features”, I would like to point out that the Amillennial method of hermeneutic, in my opinion, best reflects the hermeneutics of Christ and the New Testament writers. It is consistent with Hebraic thought patterns, and also consistent with the communication methods utilized by peoples who lived in the ancient world.

The peoples of the ancient world communicated concepts and ideas through the use of “symbols” “metaphors” “figures of speech” and “parabolic language”. We can see this through the archeological findings of Egyptian hieroglyphics. The “pictures” of snakes, animals, humans, birds, the sun, moon, fire, etc. were all arranged in an pattern, to communicate historical events, concepts, themes, and sometimes bizarre mythical prophesies.

Since the “old” scriptures take us back to the very start of creation, we also can see a similar method of communication prevalent within the scriptures themselves. The thought patterns were conveyed through types, pictures, figures of speech, and metaphoric language.

There are several Greek words in the New Testament that support this method of communicating ideas, patterns, concepts, and themes.

1. tupos
2. skia
3. hupodeigma
4. parabole
5. antitupon

As previously discussed in Ro. 5:14, Paul uses the term “tupos”in relation to Adam and Christ.
Adam being a type, a pattern, of Him to Come.

Col.2:16-17 “16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow (skia) of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” cf. He. 8:5; 10:1

Referring to the Mosaic administration, these elements have found their fulfillment in Christ. The shadow points to the fulfillment. Once the shadow is fulfilled, the shadow is no longer functional.

Due to the great Apostasy, that started during the lives of the Apostles, and will continue to Christ's second Advent, the counterfeit christian church has resurrected the shadows and negated the real in Christ. Sabbatarianism, whether Saturday, or Sunday, is a negation of Christ. Even the holy days, and seasons the pseudo christian church have invented, are nothing more than a Judaizing of the christian church.

He. 8:5 “5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy (hupodeigma) and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” cf. He 9:23

In reference to the High Priest, Sacrifices, and the Sanctuary, the writer of Hebrews shows that these functions of the Mosaic administration were only a copy, a shadow of the real.

It's disgusting to hear so-called Christians refer to their church building as a sanctuary. Or use the terms Clergy and Laity. Jesus Christ our High Priest is the reality of the real heavenly sanctuary.

He. 9:8-9 “8 The Holy Ghost signifying this, that the way into the holies was not yet made manifest, whilst the former tabernacle was yet standing. 9Which is a parable (parabole) of the time present: according to which gifts and sacrifices are offered, which can not, as to the conscience, make him perfect that serveth, only in meats and in drinks,”

Here, the writer of Hebrews shows us that the “temple” was only a parable. It had no efficacious power at all to regenerate the sinful conscience of man. Through the regenerating power of the Holy Ghost, in Christ our conscience has been renewed. We have entered the Holy of Holies.

The Jerusalem temple must come down. And it did in 70 AD. Forever to be destroyed. It no longer serves a function or purpose. Shadow must always give way to the Real.

He. 11:17:19 “17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son; 18(To whom it was said: In Isaac shall thy seed be called.)19 Accounting that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Whereupon also he received him for a parable.(parabole)

The author of Hebrews correlates this event with Jesus Christ. Abraham is the father who was willing to offer up his only begotten son. And likewise, Abraham believed that God would raise him from the dead. What a glorious historical parable it is!

He. 9:24 “24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures (antitupon” of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us”

Antitupon is a figure, a pattern of the true. It's not the real. The real is only to be found in Christ.

1 Pe. 3:21 “21 The like figure (antitupon) whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

Peter tells us that literal water baptism was only a like figure of the real Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Mt 1:11 “11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The Baptist also said “I must decrease, but He must increase”. There is no Salvific efficacy in the “drip”, “dunk”, or “drowning”

The Gospel, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, and the Apostolic witness, are the “Light” that reveals, explains, and fulfills all of the “Old”:

1. Typical Institutions
2. Typical Actions
3. Typical Events
4. Typical Things
5. Typical Offices
6. Typical Places.

To be cont.

[Robert R. Higby]

Keep it coming Nicholas, this is great! Where are the Chiliast critics now?

[Saint Nicholas]

Christ Prefigured in Abrahamic Features

In the previous sections, some themes pertaining to Abrahamic period were already discussed.

We will briefly mention a few again in this section.

One thing to point out is that Abram was not a Jew/Israelite in the physical sense. He was called out of Ur of the Chaldees which was a pagan nation. He was given a promise from God to inherit the land of Canaan. Another promise also to be the father of many nations. The ultimate promise of course, was that the Messiah/Seed would also come through him.

In this Abrahamic period, there are three main promises.

1. Land Promise
2. Great Nation Promise
3. Seed Promise

It is very important that we understand these three promises correctly in light of the theme and teaching of Justification through Faith Alone, Grace Alone, in Christ Alone. The above three promises cannot be divorced from Faith, Grace, and Christ. They cannot be divorced from one another in such a way that ultimate fulfillment can still be attained without faith in Christ. We will address the land issue in the next segment.

It is not as though Grace and Justification were non-existent prior to Abraham, but rather through this Abrahamic period, God develops these concepts in greater length through the person of Abram and the promises made to him.

Abraham was always considered by the Jews/Israelites their father, and figurehead of Israel.
We have previously discussed that the reprobate Jews were chastised by Christ and the Baptist, for claiming Abraham as their father. Although they came from his blood lineage, they did not possess the Spiritual lineage which truly identifies oneself with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

We also have discussed the “Circumcision” aspect of Abraham. When Paul refers to a true Jew as being one who is circumcised of the heart and not the flesh, Paul is telling us, that a true Jacobite/Israelite must continue to be rooted in Abraham their father. Faith Alone and Grace Alone are the main themes that truly identity a people with Abraham and his “seed”

Ga. 3:16 “ Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ.”

Ga. 3:19 “Why the Law then ? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

Ga. 3:29 “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Paul tells us, that the promises made to Abraham were not only given to Christ, but also were to be fulfilled in Christ and given to the elect. Paul also tells us the purpose of “Law/Moses”. It was added and to be administered through Moses/Israel the mediator, till the fulfiller/seed would come.


The “Law” was a Schoolmaster.


Ga. 3:24-25 “ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come , we are no longer under a schoolmaster “


Here again, Paul explains the temporary nature and purpose of National Israel. Once Christ had come, those elect that are Justified in Christ are no longer under the Mosaic administration.

2 Co.1:20 “For all the promises of God (old testament) are in him, (Christ) It is; therefore also by him,(Christ) amen to God, unto our glory.”

Same line of reasoning from Paul. Paul see's that what pertained to the Abrahamic promises/covenant, were to be grounded and realized in and through Jesus Christ. Not National Israel in some numerical future 1,000 year period, but rather in True Israel, Jesus Christ and His elect peculiar people.

Ac. 3:25 “It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED (Christ) ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.”

Same theme. Christ is the seed. The promises find their ground and realization, in and through Christ. Through the true seed of Israel, all the nations will be blessed. All those in Christ both Jew and Gentile share in the promises made to Abraham.

Ro. 4:13 “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed,through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”


Ro. 4:16 “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”


Paul further identifies Abraham's true seed as those who are of Faith alone and Grace alone. The promises are for the elect.


Brief Summary:

All the promises made to Abraham were to be fulfilled and realized in Christ.

If we belong to Christ, we are Abraham's legitimate seed, and heirs to the promises made to Abraham.

Abraham's true seed was universal.

Faith alone, and Grace alone are the characteristics of the true seed.

Those Jews who are seeking righteousness through the law, are not Abraham's seed at all!
Therefore they do not receive the ultimate promises given to Abraham.


The Problem

Jo. 3:3 “In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

It is not due to rejecting Christ, that the Kingdom was postponed, but rather the Kingdom was present amongst them. They just could not see it. God has purposely blinded them!

1 Co. 2:11 “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”

1 Co. 2:14 “Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.”

The problem with reprobate Israel was that they were blinded to the truth and reality of the covenant. Through it's fulfillment, and faith alone, they then could truly identify themselves to “Abraham/Grace/Christ”, “Isaac/Grace/Christ,” and “Jacob/Grace/Israel/Christ”.

Their hopes were carnal hopes of a Kingdom. A carnal reestablishment of David's throne. A carnal restoration of the Land. A carnal Kingdom in which they would be free from Roman rule and oppression. A carnal Kingdom where they could continue to be wicked and self righteous.A carnal Kingdom where they would consider themselves better than everyone else and still claim a chosen people status. A Kingdom where their false blind guides could continue in their deception of the masses.


They could not see:

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Ro. 14:17

The Kingdom, will be fully discussed in later segments.


They could not see that ethnic Israel with all it's Mosaic administration , including the land, was only a shadow, a figure, type, copy, and parable of the real to be revealed through the Messiah who came down from Heaven.

There is recorded in the old testament 21 references to the phrase “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”

This trio of identity was to remain in tact for a purpose. Not only for genealogical purposes to ultimately render the blood Jewish Messiah, but for theological purposes. A continuation and full revelatory fulfillment of the Law Covenant by the Messiah Jesus Christ.

Abraham represents Grace and Justification
Isaac represents the Promise/Christ
Jacob/Israel represents a peculiar chosen people. The Israel of God, with it's King, Kingdom, Priests, Sacrifices, Land, Temple, Etc.

However, these three typical person, have found their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The full expression and realization of these types can only seen through regeneration and faith alone, in Christ alone.

Moses is introduced as the Deliverer and LAW GIVER. Moses is a very important theme in God's redemptive purposes. For “One” must come to fulfill the LAW.

As mentioned earlier, “Grace” existed before Abram, likewise “Law” also existed before Moses.

The concepts/themes of Grace and Law are more fully developed through these to typical persons.

These themes are introduced by God to exhibit Grace and Mercy to the Elect. And Law/Curse/Wrath, to the reprobate.

We have previously discussed “SODOM” and the remnant theme of elect to be saved.

Let us continue on this theme just a bit more.


Matthew 10:5:15 “5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Our Lord compares Sodom and Gomorrah to the towns in Israel that reject His message. Jesus said their destruction would be worse! Why? Because they had Moses/Law, the Prophets, and Psalms. In addition to that, they had miraculous wonders in their past history, and now presently amongst them.

There is no doubt. Their rejection of Christ did not postpone anything but rather sealed their destruction for good.

Mt. 11:23-24 “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. “

Again, Christ compares their rejection of Him to the destruction of Sodom. How can anyone with a sober conscience twist this language to mean Jesus will once again find favor with these wicked people and reinstate National Talmudic Zionist Israel.

The Chiliast or anyone else, cannot make the claim that “God restored them in the past many times” as if this sets up a precedence for another reinstatement for a 1,000 years.


National Israel was given a purpose. Until that purpose was completed at an appointed preordained time, God endured with these stiff necked reprobates. Many times in the old scriptures, God desired to cut them off but endured with them so as to bring about the Messiah through their blood lineage. Christ the King was born. Christ fulfilled the promises made to the fathers. Christ fulfilled Moses. Christ announced and Inaugurated His Kingdom. National Israel hated and rejected Him and His Kingdom. They crucified Him. Christ rose from the dead and saved His people from their sins. Christ Ascended to the right hand of power and authority. Baptized us in the Holy Ghost and sealed us to the day of the redemption of our bodies. Destroyed Israel/Sodom. And will destroy this present realm and usher in the REAL TRUE EDEN. THE REAL HEAVEN AND EARTH WHERE RIGHTEOUSNESS DWELLS. That was the plan from the beginning! It was the plan from Eternity! Christ redeemed His elect and saved His people from their sins. No more shadows/types.

Ge. 22:7-8 “And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said , My father: and he said , Here am I, my son. And he said , Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said , My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. “

Jo. 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith , Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Jo. 1:36 “And looking upon Jesus as he walked , he saith , Behold the Lamb of God!”

The Jews who were elect and chosen knew how to interpret the “old” scriptures. They understood Abraham's statement. The reprobate Jews rejected Abraham's lamb.

Ge. 14:18 “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God “

Ps. 110:4 “The LORD hath sworn , and will not repent , Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”


Jesus is our bread and wine.

He. 6:13-20 “13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”


The writer of Hebrews fully identifies Jesus Christ with Melchizedek in relation to the Promises made to Abraham and his seed. As stated earlier, God deals with a people through the use of a covenant arrangement. Where there is a covenant, there must also be a blood sacrifice. Where there is a blood sacrifice, there must also be a priest. A priest much greater than those of the Levites/Israelites.

This is another area that the reprobate Jews totally rejected. They so radically divorced themselves from their Abrahamic identity thus restricting themselves solely to Moses and the Law. They were under the false notion, that they could be righteous through adherence to the law. Very similar to our modern day performance based judaized false Christianity.

He. 7:1-2 “1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

The reprobate Jews did not want this King of Righteousness and Peace. Jesus is the true King of Jeru-Salem


He. 7:10-12 “10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. 11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?”

Here's another problem with the reprobate Jews. The Jews thought that Aaron/Levi was a better method to obtain righteousness. These wicked ones were so self centered, they thought God revolved around them only. The writer tells us that perfection could not come through Levi in the order of Aaron. Perfection must come through Abraham's high priest, not Aaron's.


12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”


The writer is explaining that the Levitical system was instituted by genealogy, law, and regulation. But Christ's priesthood, was grounded from the power of an indestructible life. An eternal nature and characteristic.


He.7:18-28 “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”



How in the world can a useless and weak thing, that could never make one perfect, ever be reinstated by God in some mythical 1,000 year establishment. That line of reasoning is insane. It was set aside. It was dis-annulled, which means to put away and make obsolete.

Chiliasm is anti-Christ, for it is in need of a reestablishment of the weak and beggarly elements. If Christ is perfection, why should they desire the imperfect? Their faulty hermeneutic places them in an extremely untenable position.


20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he (Christ) became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.


How awesome and majestic! God the father Himself swore an oath that Jesus Christ is our Priest forever and eternity. Jesus guarantees the true and better covenant.


And some say, “Christ and His people are an interruption of God's plan” “a mystery people” not mentioned at all in the “old “ scriptures. Christ and His elect people were only established as a “plan B” reaction to Israels rejection. How awful a theology that is. How Christ dishonoring that is.

Why don't we elect in Christ just all get out of the way and stop claiming we are God's chosen people. This way, God can get back to the business of re-establishing a useless temple, worthless blood sacrifices, useless Levitical priesthood. Useless piece of land. Useless law which can only bring a curse on those who can never fulfill it. And most importantly re-establish a Christ rejecting, Christ killing, Christ hating Talmudic people who do not even follow Moses anymore. Were not following Abraham and Moses in the days of Christ. A people that for millenniums are not even remotely close to the faithful Israelites of the Old testament.

A reprobate people and current nation that is thoroughly given over to an occult religion. A reprobate people that stoned and killed their own prophets sent to them from God himself. And killed the ultimate prophet of God, Jesus Christ Himself.

And dumb and blind so-called called christian leaders with their “sheeple” followers say that these reprobates are “God's chosen people”. The “apple of God's eye” How blind! How awful! How repugnant to Christ that is!


23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

There is not one shred of evidence from the new testament writers indicating a reestablishment of National Israel. The writers spoke in terms of fulfillment rather than in terms of postponement and interruption.

In the next segment. We will address the “Promised Land” issue. Also we will continue to show Christ as the fulfillment of the themes in Jacob/Israel and the Mosaic Administration.


To be cont.

[Robert R. Higby]

We have previously discussed that the reprobate Jews were chastised by Christ and the Baptist, for claiming Abraham as their father. Although they came from his blood lineage, they did not possess the Spiritual lineage which truly identifies oneself with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

YES! Christ's chastisement is completely ignored today by those who claim that Talmudists are the rightful physical heirs of the kingdom. Such persons forfeit their own participation in Abraham's lineage; confidently proclaiming that Talmudists who 'toot their blood lineage horn' like no one else are the prophesied heirs of the physical kingdom in the Old Testament. In their view, the Talmudists alone have been given the privilege of further opportunity for salvation after Christ returns, simply because they tooted their horn loud enough and proclaim themselves to be the only true Jews.

[Saint Nicholas]

Jesus Christ Recapitulates Jacob, Moses, Israel.


Ro. 9:10-13 “10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

As mentioned earlier in this essay, to have a correct understanding of Eschatology, one must also have a correct understanding of Election.

Election, like Grace and Justification, cannot be divorced from our understanding of Eschatology.

If one does indeed divorce Eschatology from Election, Grace, and Justification, the logical result would be to interpret old testament prophesies concerning Jacob/Israel as being fulfilled in the wrong people. This is the heresy of Pre-mil eschatology.

“it is not the children by physical descent who are God's children”

Ro. 9:8 “8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”

Paul is a great teacher and polemicist. He is arguing the case that a child of God must be grounded in promise and election. Blood ancestry does not count.

The reprobate Jew's and Israelites could not understand this. The pre-mils miss this also in stating that God plans to reinstate these children of the flesh.

Even as our Lord Jesus Christ was a child of the flesh (physical descent) through the Virgin Mary, however, He was also the ultimate ELECT CHILD OF PROMISE

Speaking of Jesus Christ:

1 Pe 2:6 “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 “ cf. Is. 28:16

Is. 42:1 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold ; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth ; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles”.

To further demonstrate the heresy of those who still promulgate the idea that God's promises for National Israel are still unfulfilled, we will examine Paul treatment of reprobate Israel in Galatians.

Ga. 4:21-31 “21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman (Hagar) and the other by the free woman.(Sarah) 23 His son by the slave woman (Ishmael)was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman (Isaac) was born as the result of a divine promise.24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai (Moses and the Law) and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

“Be glad, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”

28 Now you, brothers and sisters,(elect Jew and Gentile) like Isaac, are children of promise.29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” also ref. Is. 54:1, Ge. 21:10

This one Galatians passage is enough to overthrow all of Premillennialism, and also those who hold to a future restoration of reprobate Israel. But why do they persist. Because God blinded them! Just like he blinded reprobate Israel to Jesus the Messiah.

Paul makes a painstakingly effort to be absolutely clear on this matter. Paul equates the Law covenant of Mt Sinai to the bond woman Hagar. Those who continue in this law covenant are slaves. He also equates this law covenant with children who are born of the flesh. He also states that (present to him) Jerusalem is in bondage. Then he says:

“Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”

We, the elect of God both Jew and Gentile are born of promise. Born of the free woman. The real, true and ultimate Jerusalem is a land the we possess. NOW by faith alone!

How in the world can anyone even dare to claim God would reinstate National Israel and fulfill an inheritance that does not belong to them, when He told Paul to get rid of her????

Paul shows Jacob as a child of promise/elect. Promise and Election are inseparable.

Paul also wants everyone to know that election is not based on merit or demerit. God loves one (Jacob) and hates the other.(Esau) The older Esau will serve the younger Jacob. Although they were conceived at the same time, Esau came forth from the womb of his mother first, and was entitled to the birthright and blessings of the firstborn.

Here's where it gets even more interesting. This brings us to Jacob.

The name Jacob means “he who supplants”, “the one who supplants”, “he grasps the heal” which is a Hebrew idiom meaning “he takes advantage of” or “deceives”.

Ge. 27:30-36 “30 After Isaac finished blessing him, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. 31 He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, “My father, please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” 32 His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?”
“I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.” 33 Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him and indeed he will be blessed!” 34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, my father!” 35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!”.......

We can understand why Paul said “ Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls.

Jacob received the blessing and status of “the firstborn” and all the promises that correspond with the firstborn son. Surely this blessing was not obtained by Jacob's merits. He was a deceiver. His brother was angry with him and threatened to kill him “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Jacob was then told by his father and mother to go to Paddan Aram

Ge. 28:10-19 “10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

At this juncture we must interrupt to discuss the land issue promised to Jacob. In upcoming segments we will return to Jacob's life. For there is more in this passage that has a direct bearing on Jesus Christ.

There are two types of covenants mentioned in the scriptures. Law and Grace.

When two parties enter into a covenant arrangement one party (the offerer) promises to perform or act. In this case, God made promises to Jacob. However, there are stipulations that must be met by the (offeree) one who receives the promises. To maintain the possession of the promises, the “offeree” agrees to abide by the conditions set forth. Deuteronomy 28, and all of the Mosaic administration are the conditions that must be met in order for the “offeree” to maintain the promises of the “offerer” The covenant states that either blessing or cursing would be dependent on the performance of the “offeree” Israel.

This we call the LAW covenant of Israel

The GRACE covenant is similar, in that the “offerer” promises to perform or act (in this context the promises made to the offeree elect Jacob). However, the stipulations set forth that the “offeree” is required to meet in obtaining the promises, are met and performed by the “Offerer”. Not the “offeree”

The “offeree” receives all the blessings and promises of the covenant the same as if the “offeree” had met them on his own behalf.

The elect were eternally ordained to be under the Grace covenant. All reprobate mankind, including National Israel were ordained to be under a Law Covenant.

Did God hold up His end of the agreement pertaining to the Land?

Jos 21:43-45 “43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there.”44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. “

God gave the land.
They possessed the land.
They lived in the land.
All came to pass that was promised.

Jos. 23:14 “14 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed.Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”

Cities of refuge and all the land fulfilled. Nu. 35:9-15, De.19:7-9, Jos.20:7-9, Ne. 9:8, 23:25

Ps: 105:43-45“43 He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; 44 he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for 45 that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD”

For sure God fulfilled His part of the covenant. Below we will see that these blessings God gave them, were to be lost for breech of covenant on their part.

Jos. 23:15-16 “15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all the good things have come upon you which the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord will bring upon you all harmful things, until He has destroyed you from this good land which the Lord your God has given you. 16 When you have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you.”

ref. De. 4:25-27 , 28-15-68, 30:1-10

Now the question arises. Was this physical and geographical land to be forever and everlasting?

Absolutely not.

Even if the pre-mils insist that it was an everlasting possession for the physical descendants of Jacob, after their 1,000 year millennium, would not this physical dimension cease according to their scheme? So even they must admit that it cannot be an everlasting possession in the physical sense.

The physical land was only a type, a picture, of the real land of Canaan. A land flowing with milk and honey. The real and heavenly land is eternal and everlasting. So when the scriptures talk about the land in an everlasting sense, it always refers to the Eternal. The type which is temporal, must give way to the real which is Eternal, once established.

In our next segment, we will discuss the realization of the Land of Canaan procured for us by our King Jesus Christ.

To be cont.